A NEW version of controversial plans to build almost 300 new homes on the outskirts of York has been branded "inadequate" by parish councillors.

A decision on the plans, to build on the old Tenneco site, off Manor Lane, in Rawcliffe, was deferred until improvements could be made.

Barratt York and Persimmon Homes have now amended the application, bringing the number of homes down from 286 to 277.

The two companies also propose to increase the amount of open space to be included in the site to 1.7 hectares.

Planning chiefs have recommended the new plans are approved, subject to a number of conditions.

But Richard Shrimpton, vice-chairman of Rawcliffe Parish Council, said the council's objections still stood. The council has campaigned for a minimum of 1.84 hectares of open space to be included in the development.

Mr Shrimpton said: "We weren't objecting to the number of homes there, the parish council has always said anything under 320 would be acceptable, but as far as we are concerned there is still not enough open space on that site."

The new plans also revealed there was no application from any medical group to build a medical centre on the new estate.

Persimmon and Barratt will outline how much of the medical use land could become open space when the application is considered at City of York Council's planning committee, on Thursday, April 24.

No one from Persimmon or Barratt was available for comment.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, April 16, 2003