A car parts manufacturer whose plans to build homes on its York site were blocked is to appeal.

American company Tenneco Automotive is to close the Monroe plant in Rawcliffe with the loss of 400 jobs.

But City of York councillors last week refused permission to replace the factory with up to 370 new homes.

The Secretary of State for the Environment has now been asked by the company to arrange a public inquiry into the decision.

The city's planning committee last month refused to give the go-ahead for the building work, despite it having the backing of Rawcliffe Parish Council and some Rawcliffe residents.

Councillors argued that the land is earmarked for industrial use, and new homes would mean a rise in traffic in the area.

And they said it would be premature to accept it before the on-going review of York's green belt is completed.

But Richard Moore, chairman of Rawcliffe Parish Council, said: "The Tenneco site has been designated employment land through historical accident, not as the result of a proactive planning policy decision.

"This employment site has been, and remains, detrimental to the interests of Rawcliffe residents as the size of vehicles accessing the site has increased over the years.

"We suggest that housing, if sympathetically treated, could enhance the area."

City of York Council has confirmed that a public inquiry into the decision will be held, although a date is yet to be arranged.

Updated: 08:57 Wednesday, April 11, 2001