PLANNING bosses could order that a controversial site near York must be returned to farmland, placing a question mark over a proposed multi-million-pound energy plant.

City of York Council is looking into taking enforcement action against the owners of the derelict North Selby Mine near Escrick, and could force it to be returned to agricultural land.

UK Coal, which owns the mine, is currently considering the building of a £30 million energy facility at the site and said opportunities to create jobs should not be lost.

However, the plan has proved unpopular with locals, who want to see the enforcement of a clause in the original planning application for the mine, which stated it should be returned to farmland once coal production ceased.

Mike Slater, assistant director of city strategy at the council said the authority had ten years to enforce the clause, though that would run out in May.

He said: “City of York Council has sought specialist legal advice regarding this site, which has raised a number of issues.

“It has become apparent that the planning enforcement position is not straightforward, so we will be seeking further detailed advice. However, matters are in hand to authorise enforcement action and for an Enforcement Notice to be served in April.”

The decision has been welcomed by local campaigners. Last night Mark Oldridge, of North Selby Mine Action Group, said: “The vast majority of the local community, councilors, MPs and ourselves have been hoping that York Council would pursue this route which now unites CYC and the whole community against this proposal.

“Our campaign against the development very much goes on, but we’re delighted.”

A spokesman for UK Coal said: “We are in dialogue with City of York Council about North Selby Mine and are aware of their decision.

“The North Selby site is well equipped and we believe all opportunity for new job creation measures should be explored to take advantage of the facilities there.”

The pit ceased production in 1999, and its machinery has since been demolished and its mineshafts sealed.