PLANS for a multi-million pound office building which could bring 150 new jobs to York have been put on hold while top level talks take place.

The Helmsley Group has already won consent for a new headquarters for Hunters estate agents on land beside the River Foss, next to the former Transco gas infrastructure site, at Heworth Green.

But the Pocklington-based developer subsequently lodged a fresh proposal, to include a medical surgery and pharmacy within the four-storey building.

It had been due to be considered by city councillors on April 27, but the Helmsley Group has decided to withdraw the application after a planning officer's report said the revised scheme should be rejected on design grounds.

Andrew Graham, development control officer, said the current proposal was "of an inferior quality" to the previously approved scheme, which was "of a high quality design that included a good break up and rhythm to the roof".

He said the new proposal "fails to create a building of such high quality design that such a potentially prominent site deserves".

It also "creates a monotonous flat roof structure that will appear dominant and intrusive within its context," he added.

Mr Graham's report said the design failed to "adequately reinforce the importance of such a landmark plot by creating a standard ordinary design, within a site that is considered extremely important in the development of this area."

Richard Peak, of the Helmsley Group, which has worked with Persimmon Homes to decontaminate the land, said: "We have agreed to wait until the end of May for this to go forward."

He acknowledged the council had some concerns, adding: "We are meeting with the head of planning and the architect to sort it out. This is taking longer than I hoped, but we should finalise it at the meeting.

"We already have planning permission for this site for 50,000 square feet of offices," he said.

"The latest proposal has increased that to 60,000 square feet, of which 10,000 square feet will be a doctors' surgery."

Hunters needs the new headquarters building for when its operation to franchise its brand gets into full swing across the UK.

But director Keith Hollinrake said he was not concerned about the situation.

"I am sure the Helmsley Group, the council and architect will reach some common ground.

"We intend to employ another 150 people there and I am sure the designs will definitely enhance that area.

"I understand the planners' view - they want to make sure that what is created there is right for the city."

Updated: 10:05 Thursday, April 20, 2006