YORK'S £60 million Coppergate Riverside scheme was today thrown out by the Government.

The decision was greeted with delight by opponents of the plan to build shops, apartments and restaurants on land between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly.

An inspector recommended that the scheme should be refused for a number of reasons, including its close proximity to historic Clifford's Tower.

Castle Area Campaign spokesman Gordon Campbell-Thomas said today: "Our members are ecstatically happy that the open area around the Tower has been retained, and that the Government has recognised the concerns of citizens, and 'kicked into touch' Land Securities' plans to build a shopping mall facing the ancient monument.

"This proves that the City of York Council had it wrong from the start. It never really consulted the citizens of York, and has been motivated by an agenda that was not related to the needs of the people.

"I feel personally vindicated and I know that all members of the campaign group who have put so much time, effort and commitment into opposing the discredited and rejected scheme can rest more easily tonight.

"Part of the city that we love and care for has been saved for generations to come."

An official at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said today: "The Secretary of State is concerned that the siting of the development in relation to Clifford's Tower fails to have sufficient regard to the desirability of preserving the listed building and its setting."

Updated: 11:25 Wednesday, September 10, 2003