ARGUMENTS over the expansion of the University of York were outlined as the public inquiry into the controversial plans began in the city.

The hearing, which is expected to last at least four weeks, opened at the Guildhall yesterday with supporters and opponents of the £500 million development delivering their opening statements.

The opening witness, the university's vice-chancellor, Brian Cantor, also gave evidence, arguing expansion is essential to ensure the university continues to attract top-quality students and staff.

The university wants to expand by building a new 65-hectare Heslington East campus. The plans have been supported by City of York Council, but bitterly opposed by residents and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

Setting out the university's case, Frances Patterson said the pros of the development outweighed the cons.

She said: "The scheme before the inquiry is deliverable. The university has been sensitive to its local community, and devised a scheme for its expansion which is sustainable. There are some negative impacts - wherever possible those impacts have been minimalised. The result is a proposal which will

protect a national asset."

She said the university receives nine applicants for each undergraduate place, and is disproportionately

successful for its size. "With the establishment of new departments such as drama and law, the ability to attract more applicants will be met. That cannot be done at present."

She acknowledged the land was in the greenbelt, but said the expansion would not constitute "urban sprawl", and would enhance public access to the site.

She said development had to be in Heslington. She said other sites, including York Central and Elvington Airfield, had been considered, but found not to be viable.

But Giles Cannock, for Heslington Parish Council and Heslington Village Trust, said: "There is insufficient evidence of the need for this development, or that there are no other sites available."

The Heslington groups argue the development should be delayed until a plan has been adopted by local councils.

Mr Cannock said: "The parish council considers the harm to the university through any delay is more than outweighed by the prejudice suffered to local residents by being denied the opportunity to comment on, and affect, local plans."

Dr Guy Woolley, for the CPRE, said: "We agree this university should expand because of the socioeconomic benefits it would bring to the city, but we submit the evidence strongly suggests there is scope with expanding the current campus."

Matthew Copeland, for City of York Council, acknowledged that farmland would be lost by the development.

Updated: 09:19 Wednesday, April 26, 2006