THE redevelopment of York's Barbican Centre could be given the green light by the Government by as early as next week.

But officials could also ask for more time to consider whether or not to call in the controversial scheme and hold a public inquiry.

The deadline for objections to the proposals, which include the construction of 240 apartments, a 135-bedroom hotel and a community swimming pool, along with a revamp of the auditorium and relocation of sporting facilities elsewhere, is next Monday.

The Government office says it could then decide it does not wish to take any action, meaning that planning permission granted by City of York Council last month would stand and work could start later this year.

But it could also issue a "holding direction", giving it longer to consider all the issues raised by objectors.

A spokeswoman said about 90 letters had been received about the proposals, along with a 6,000-plus signature petition raised by the campaign group, Save Our Barbican.

But a spokesman stressed that the volume of correspondence was not the critical factor in determining whether there should be an inquiry, but the quality of the arguments presented.

Groups such as the Georgian Society have called for an inquiry over the scheme, amid concerns about the visual impact of the proposed apartment block on the nearby historic city walls. However, such calls are not supported by English Heritage.

Coun Dave Merrett, the Labour group leader on City of York Council, Coun Dave Merrett, revealed earlier this week he was writing to the Government office to call for an inquiry.

He said he believed the proposals were "deeply flawed," with Labour concerns over issues including inadequate parking provision, the scale of the development, the traffic consequences and inadequate plans to replace existing facilities.

But the council's Lib Dem leader, Steve Galloway, warned that an inquiry could lead to the loss not only of the Barbican, but also one of the city's swimming pools.

Updated: 08:22 Friday, May 28, 2004