PROTESTERS today vowed to continue fighting plans to build 700 homes in York after councillors passed the blueprint.

Objectors renewed calls for a public inquiry into the massive Germany Beck application after city planners rubberstamped it last night, despite being told that it would fuel gridlock traffic problems.

In a marathon seven-hour debate, attempts to stall the project amid cross-party concerns that it would increase traffic congestion on the A19 and A64 in Fulford were voted down.

Planning committee members agreed with officers that Germany Beck, not classed as Green Belt land, was a suitable site on which to build hundreds of homes.

They managed to secure an improved 25 per cent social housing deal, up from 130 to 175 homes, with developers Persimmon.

But a highways chief told the meeting that York's creaking road network would come under further strain once the "car-based" development emerged.

Peter Evely, City of York Council's traffic manager, said the A19 corridor through Fulford was already the busiest commuter link into the city, working at full capacity.

He estimated that once a single access road was built off the A19 to Germany Beck, a worst-case scenario could see morning rush-hour journeys take 30 minutes longer and evening trips 15 minutes longer.

However, Mr Evely said the council could not reject plans on congestion grounds. Similar schemes - like University of York expansion and Foss Islands Road - had been passed despite copycat gridlock concerns.

The meeting was told that traffic levels could rise by nearly 30 per cent in the area, if Germany Beck and Heslington East see the light of day.

Rejecting claims that rush-hour queues on the A64 slip road would grow, Mr Evely said drivers would look for quicker routes into the city.

Labour councillor David Horton branded this a "recipe for disaster" and called for plans to be deferred and for the building of two access roads.

Green member Mark Hill said: "This is the last place where we should be building."

Meanwhile, councillors called on officers to negotiate a regular bus service for the new housing estate in an effort to ease traffic worries.

A dozen speakers attended the meeting and about 40 members of the public were in the Guildhall gallery to hear the long-standing planning application decided.

Other concerns raised included the impact on nature and worries about flooding.

But developers confirmed they will pump about £4 million into school and community facilities as part of the deal.

Councillors rejected calls from the Fulford Battlefield Society for further digs on the land. The authority's archaeologist said no firm evidence has been found to support the society's claims that the Battle of Fulford, in 1066, was fought on the development site.

After the meeting, Fulford Parish Council chairman Stephen Kenwright said protesters would fight for a public inquiry. He said the development would "wreck" the south side of York.

Last night's decision will now be referred to the Government because of its size.

Updated: 11:08 Friday, May 27, 2005