VILLAGE leaders are dismayed that a council study into the potential traffic impact of major developments in the south-east area of York will exclude a proposed 540-home scheme at Osbaldwick.

Fulford, Heslington and Osbaldwick parish councils said today that the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's plans for a model village at Derwenthorpe must be included if the survey is to create a true picture for City of York Council's planning committee.

The three parish councils had been pressing the authority to investigate how these proposals, along with plans for 700 homes at Germany Beck and the University of York expansion at Heslington East, would collectively affect traffic in the south-eastern area of York.

All three of the controversial developments are awaiting consideration by councillors for outline planning approval.

Individual traffic surveys have been conducted for each by planners, but the city council said it can only take into account approved developments when considering an application.

The Evening Press reported last week that city highways chief Peter Evely told a community forum into the Heslington East application that a "global study" would be completed by a consultant

Iit has since emerged that Derwenthorpe will not be part of this study, which will be conducted "in-house".

Coun Malcolm Kettlestring, vice-chairman of Osbaldwick Parish Council, said: "I've spoken to Fulford and Heslington councils and they also want it done properly."

Tom Hughes, of Meadlands Residents' Association, who also support the parish councils' stance, said the Osbaldwick traffic survey was completed five-and-a-half years ago.

Since that time, there have been numerous developments along Hull Road and Lawrence Street, in Heworth, with a shopping outlet in the Foss Basin and the Barbican Centre redevelopment also in the pipeline.

"You have only got to go down Fulford or Hull Road at teatime to see the gridlock," he said.

A council spokeswoman said the impact of traffic from the Heslington East development upon the Osbaldwick area had been included in the university's assessment.

"Our highways officers are very experienced in assessing the impact of traffic on potential new developments," she said.

Updated: 10:10 Tuesday, October 05, 2004