PLANS for the multi-million pound regeneration of York’s former Terry’s factory will not be considered until early February, developers have revealed.

The scheme, which will create more than 2,700 jobs, homes for hundreds of people, two hotels and shops, bars and restaurants, was submitted to City of York Council in August.

Peter Callaghan, of the developers Grantside, said today that under Government targets of 16 weeks to bring such applications to planning committee, the Terry’s scheme should have been considered before Christmas.

But this would not be possible and the Christmas break would cause extra delays which meant it was unlikely to be considered in January. “We are now looking at early February.” He stressed that no one was to blame for the delay, saying the application was extremely complex and involved a wide consultation with many interested parties.

He said the response to the proposals had been very positive, but with queries lodged about the proposals for former multi-storey factory building which Grantside had sought to answer.

The plans were submitted almost exactly a year after a previous application was turned down by councillors, against the advice of officers.

Members cited eight reasons for refusal, including overdevelopment and an alleged detrimental impact on the listed buildings on the site and the surrounding conservation areas.

Grantside entered into detailed discussions with local residents, councillors, stakeholders and council officers before drawing up the new plans.

Key organisations including York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and York Civic Trust have already given their backing to the scheme.

Grantside, which bought the old factory in 2006 for £26 million, intends to turn the old Terry’s HQ building into offices, but the future of many other parts of the site is unclear.

The firm’s “hybrid” application seeks permission for multiple uses in different buildings, with further details provided down the line.

City of York Council said it had hoped the Terry’s planning and listed buildings applications could go to the December planning committee meeting, but it had become apparent that some revisions and additional information was required.

“We expect to re-consult residents on this before Christmas and envisage that the applications will be considered by members in early February,” said a spokeswoman.