A CONTROVERSIAL plan to clear a heavily-polluted York gas works for redevelopment has been put on hold.

Councillors at last night's City of York Council planning meeting demanded more information on the potential use of a planned open space at the Heworth Green site before they make a decision.

The ambitious proposals could see the unsightly industrial area transformed with 306 homes and 1,860 square metres of office space.

But the former use of the land has left it badly polluted with dangerous chemicals and the ground must be cleared of the substances before any work can take place.

Similar remedial work is already taking place at the neighbouring former car park site, where a 148-home development is under way.

Residents have raised concerns about the development of the polluted site. One householder, Alastair Robinson, who raised his concerns at the meeting, said he was forced to sleep in his car in a road lay-by because of the terrible smell created by digging there.

The matter has been deferred until next month.

Updated: 10:14 Friday, November 26, 2004