THE guardians of rural England have written to York planning chiefs to voice concern about development of the city.

City of York Council has been told its green belt review would damage the city's environment.

The warning has been made by the Council for the Protection of Rural England in response to a call for public input into the green belt plans - proposals to control the development of the city over the next 20 years.

Members of the York and Selby branch of the group said an increase in the amount of traffic in the city was their main concern.

But a list of other worries has been sent to the council.

Dr Guy Woolley, chairman of the branch, said: "Congestion on the northern ring road is one of the biggest fears about the development sites proposed by the City of York Council.

"The majority felt that the creation of a 50-hectare business site between the A59 and the A1237, adjacent to the former Challis Garden Centre, should be resisted. There were also strong arguments against the diversion of the A1237 towards Rufforth to permit developments on the greenfield land from Woodthorpe and Acomb."

Other concerns included:

- The housing demand forecast, which was felt to be exaggerated

- Predictions of how much employment land was going to be needed, which were considered too high.

Council proposals indicate an extra 14,000 homes could be built in the city in the next 20 years, and employment could expand by 19,000 jobs.

Dr Woolley said: "I'm delighted by the excellent response from our members."

York's Green Party has also issued challenges to the council's estimates of the amount of land needed for future housing and employment developments.

Group spokesman Andy D'Agorne said: "We argue that much of the overheated housing market is due to the city's policy of attracting employers and employees from outside the city, rather than focusing on providing affordable housing and quality jobs for local people.

"We argue that the proposed developments, if allowed to go ahead, will impose such pressure on the local infrastructure and environment that the benefits which York people perceive to come from living in our city will be threatened."

The council is hoping to outline its full proposals in the near future. They will then go out to full consultation.

Updated: 10:44 Wednesday, October 02, 2002