PLANS to build about 250 new homes and a massive office facility on a former York print works site have been given the green light.

Developer Persimmon Homes had applied to build 276 homes, as well as 8,300 square metres of office space, on the old RR Donnelley site, in Boroughbridge Road.

Nearby company British Sugar had lodged an objection out of concern for possible buyers of the homes.

The company felt people moving into the homes might object to smells coming from their plant.

Members at last night's City of York Council planning committee felt the application could go ahead.

Conditions imposed include guarantees that 25 per cent of the new homes are made social housing and the developers must provide cash to improve the local infrastructure.

They have also asked for money from Persimmon to improve local sports facilities, provide play equipment on the former print site and to help maintain open space areas over a ten year period.

Persimmon has agreed to build an enclosure around British Sugar's sugar beet washing facility, said to produce much of the distinctive smell that comes from the plant.

A Persimmon spokesman told the meeting: "If this application is approved it will prevent 250 homes having to be built on a greenfield site."

Members approved last night's application unanimously.

Updated: 14:42 Friday, March 01, 2002