Green belt fears may scupper science jobs in York (From York Press)

Green belt fears may scupper science jobs in York

10:28am Saturday 13th March 2010 in

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PLANS to create dozens of jobs by expanding a laser firm could be scuppered – because the new building would be in York’s green belt.

Council officers say Measurement Devices Ltd (MDL) wants to build a new two-storey international headquarters building at Northminster Business Park, Upper Poppleton, for research and development, which would include a 200-metre laser testing range and a second five-kilometre testing range from the roof of the building.

But Jonathan Kenyon, City of York Council’s development control officer, has warned that the building would be in a field within the green belt, where development is inappropriate, and any approval would have to be referred to the Secretary of State.

Rufforth with Knapton Parish Council has objected to the development in the belt, arguing that other sites such as Monks Cross should be considered first. York Natural Environment Panel has also said it would prefer to see the redevelopment of brownfield sites.

However, Mr Kenyon said he was still recommending approval because, in officers’ opinion, special circumstances existed that outweighed the impact on the green belt and justified the development of safeguarded land.

“There are presently no preferable sites where this particular development could be located, due to MDL’s requirements,” he said.

“The development will have benefits for the city’s economy due to the type of knowledge-based industry involved and the number of jobs created.”

His report to next Thursday’s planning sub-committee says the new building would be a base for MDL’s European, Asian and African operations, and as many as 100 staff could eventually be employed at the site.

“MDL develop eye-safe laser measurement technology, used for measurement and navigation systems. MDL are described as a world leader in their field,” he said.

The expansion would be a major coup for York’s efforts to boost its science and technology sectors in the wake of the decline of traditional industry.

Nicola Spence, the chief executive of Science City York, said the fact that MDL, a world leader, had chosen York for its headquarters was indicative of what was happening in the area.

She said: “It confirms North Yorkshire’s position as a place to do business.”