On the cards

Stephen West, of CPP, with the plans for the York operations centre.

The credit card protection company has submitted an application to City of York Council for a 60,000 sq ft, three-storey building of traditional red brick, with a grey slate roof.

CPP, which aims to employ 750 people at its York operations centre within the next five years, say they wanted high-quality offices because the building will set the tone for the re-development of the rest of Holgate Park.

"At the same time, we are aiming for a building which is in keeping with the surrounding area, and which offers an excellent working environment for our employees," said Stephen West, CPP's new customer service director.

While there are parking spaces for 270 cars, the company says it is committed to green transport and is proposing a series of measures to encourage lower car usage by employees and greater use of alternative transport.

These include the setting up of a car-share data base to encourage car sharing on the journey to and from work, and the provision of bikes for lunchtime use by employees who want to go into town.

The company is also looking at providing interest-free loans for employees wanting to buy a bike.

CPP, which offers insurance protection for lost or stolen credit cards, will have a major call centre at Holgate Park taking phone calls 24 hours a day from people all over the world.

The planning application reveals that four shifts are being proposed around the clock, eventually employing part-time and full-time work for 900 staff.

Another 270 people will be employed in support work, who will work normal office hours.

CPP intends ensuring that shift changeovers happen at non-peak times for traffic on neighbouring roads.

Mr West said the company hoped its plans struck the right balance between operational needs and the interests of the local community.

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