The public inquiry into Land Securities’ £50m Coppergate II development in York ended this week, after green group York Tomorrow dropped its appeal.
The group had put forward an alternative application to turn the Castle car park into a public park, but the proposal was dismissed in 2000.
York Tomorrow was warned by planning inspector Tony Bingham that it would be liable for the costs of the inquiry if it pursued its appeal.
The cost of the inquiry is expected to have been around £250,000.
On Tuesday, Land Securities pledged to pay £400,000 for public transport improvements in the area – as well as providing a multi-storey car park and other transport facilities as part of a section 106 agreement – if the government gives the scheme the go-ahead.
Roy Templeman, York council’s director of environment and development services, said: “This is not about ‘another shopping scheme’.
“It is a unique opportunity for York to respond to the regeneration needs and the historic importance of this area for York.”
EGi News 09/08/02
