DEVELOPERS behind plans for a new Selby retail park say vital changes are needed in the site's planning consent if the project is to go ahead on time.

Dransfield Properties have been forced to make urgent alterations to their plans for the 71,244 sq ft retail park off Bawtry Road, following the decision by a major electrical retailer to pull out.

They are hoping that their revised application will be approved at the next Selby District Council planning meeting on Wednesday, allowing work to begin on May 19 as planned.

Managing director Mark Dransfield said: "We are very keen to get on site and start work on what is an important development for Selby, but we need to go back to the planning committee before we can start work to sort out the changes to some of the unit sizes.

"There is a great deal of interest in the development from retailers, but we have found that some of those companies who are keen to trade here are looking for a slightly smaller unit space.

"We are still very much committed to bringing forward an excellent high-quality development for Selby."

Selby District Council approved one alteration for three smaller units last month, which has led to Pets At Home and Halfords agreeing terms to trade on the park.

Aldi, MacDonalds and Homebase are also committed to the prestigious development, which will create at least 230 new jobs for Selby.

The new application would allow for a state-of-the-art Choices Video store on the axis to the development and a reduction in size to another unit which has already attracted interest from shoe retailers Brantano.

The new Choices outlet will not affect the current store in Gowthorpe, which will continue trading.

Dransfield Properties say that Leeds-based building contractors Keirs are ready to move on to the site and start work as soon as the planning details are finalised.

Updated: 15:20 Monday, May 12, 2003