THE public inquiry into two massive housing plans for York looks set to be a lengthy one.

At least 45 people have requested the right to speak at the hearing into the proposals for the Germany Beck and Derwenthorpe sites.

City of York Council has been asked to look for possible venues outside the city centre, closer to those who want to attend.

Scores of residents packed into a pre-inquiry meeting in the council chambers to give their views.

Steve Kenwright, chairman of Fulford Parish Council, which is opposed to the Germany Beck scheme, said: "Several people suggested holding the inquiry out of the city centre.

"Consultants also backed the idea of moving out of the Guildhall, to somewhere easier to reach with lots of boxes and files."

The Barbican Centre, which has tiered seating to make it easier for participants to talk to their colleagues, or the university, were suggested as alternative venues.

Residents also requested that part of the inquiry be held near their villages to make it easier for them to attend.

The inquiry, which is due to begin on June 13, was originally expected to last 24 days, but may now run into six weeks.

Coun Kenwright said: "People who want to speak are trying to join up with other groups who represent common views."

The inquiry will start by focusing on common issues relating to Persimmon's plans for 720 homes at Germany Beck, in Fulford, and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's plans for 540 houses at Derwenthorpe, in Osbaldwick. It will then examine the detail of each scheme in turn.

Protesters will raise issues relating to roads, flooding risks, design and layout, the conservation area, archaeology, history and nature sites.

Residents will also argue that both sites should become greenbelt land, despite a previous planning inspector indicating they should not.

A spokeswoman for City of York Council said it was still looking at possible venues for the June inquiry, but added: "There will be cost implications and a variety of factors including accessibility to consider.

"It may be difficult to find the right venue in the right place."

A separate inquiry into University of York expansion proposals is due to start two months earlier, on April 25.

Updated: 09:47 Thursday, February 09, 2006