BUSINESS leaders in North Yorkshire are seeking people’s views on potential out-of-town developments in York.

Plans for a new retail park, which would include a huge new Marks & Spencer store and also see a community stadium for York City FC and York City Knights being built, at Monks Cross have been criticised by York’s Chamber of Trade, which fears it could harm the city centre.

But the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has said such schemes should be welcomed as an economic boost for York, and has now asked for public feedback on the issue.

The chamber’s chief executive, Gary Williamson, said the subject had sparked “significant debate”. He said: “We believe the Monks Cross development and associated community stadium project need careful scrutiny, in terms of their impact on existing business and the benefits they will bring to the wider community and surrounding districts.

“As a city, York needs to grow. We should not oppose developments which create jobs, generate wealth and bolster the economic prosperity of York and its surrounding districts.”

Views can be emailed to representation@yourchamber.org.uk