DON'T lose the opportunity to generate more jobs and prosperity on empty land in Selby by giving in to short-term gain for housing.

That is the warning to Selby District Council planners from Derrick Potter, executive chairman of the Potter Group, the logistics empire which has a huge rail spur and warehouse in Barlby in Selby.

Mr Potter was referring to a 100-acre site, flanking Barlby's BOCM agricultural feed factory and his own 64 acres, where the prospect of up to 700 homes is being considered by consultants reporting to Selby councillors.

It is part of the 220-acre Olympia Park development, on which a "concept plan" is to be published in the next few weeks.

Mr Potter, whose firm is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, said: "Look to the success of our own site where up to 400 jobs have been created, where over the past five years £12.5 million has been invested. That is long-term wealth creation."

Mr Potter fears if the land be reallocated from industrial use to housing it would inevitably scotch his expansion plans and will cost more to operate.

"Ultimately, I foresee residents there insisting on reducing our 24 hours per day operation.

"Given that future demand for rail freight will necessitate freight trains running increasingly throughout the night, these kinds of restrictions would stop inward investment into Selby, literally in its tracks.

"This is precisely what we are all trying to avoid in the aftermath of the closure of Selby's coal fields.

"Jobs should come first and wealth creation for the few come second."

Already a major housebuilder has expressed interest in building the 600 to 700 homes on the land which is between the East Coast Main Line, and the rail spur used by the Potter Group.

Should a housing project there be recommended in the concept plan and go ahead the homes are likely to be sold at luxury prices, reflecting the cost of building an access road from the A19, crossing the East Coast Main Line, which could come to £2 million.

Other council plans to build huge estates on Greenfield sites in Sherburn-in-Elmet and South Milford were scotched by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. Now the focus has switched to Selby.

Councillor Brian Percival, deputy leader of Selby District Council and chairman of its economic board, said the concept plan would suggest a number of options for the site and promised full public consultation of both businesses and residents.

He said: "Selby District Council is committed to continuing to develop a sustainable mixed economy for the area that recognises the importance of companies such as The Potter Group in terms of long-term economic growth and stability.

"The concept plan for the Olympia Park area looks at issues specific to the site, such as ensuring long-term sustainability of existing businesses and I am confident it will offer long-term benefits to both businesses and residents in the area."

Updated: 12:07 Thursday, October 27, 2005