An innovative science park could be expanded if proposals for a four-storey lab and office block are accepted.

City of York Council will decide next week if the application can get the go-ahead.

The facilities would provide a home for another science-based business drawn to the park, in Heslington, which has already attracted a number of companies including Smith & Nephew.

Roger Armistead, the council's development control officer, said: "The lack of such space has been seen as a serious gap in our offer to the bioscience industry and has put us at a serious disadvantage with some of our competitors in the UK.

"Without such a facility there is a serious risk that emerging companies spinning out of the university and existing firms will be forced to look elsewhere for the accommodation that they need.

"The application is strongly supported and we have been actively involved in supporting the university in reaching this stage."

In only two years since science city was set up, 1,000 jobs have been created. A total of 220 science-based firms are operating from the city.

Mr Armistead said: "It is important that this development is maintained in the face of fierce competition from rivals."

Councillors will be recommended to approve the application on Thursday.

Updated: 12:13 Monday, February 26, 2001