A PLANNING inquiry on the redevelopment of the Barbican Centre could lead to the loss of York swimming pools and even the building itself, the city's council leader today warned.

Coun Steve Galloway said a decision by the opposition Labour group to request a planning inquiry on City of York Council's decision to approve the applications for a multi-million revamp of the centre could damage vital investment.

He said Labour's moves were a "matter of deep concern", and added that without the investment, York could not only lose the Barbican, but at least one of the pools in the city.

The present deal would raise £10 million for the council, which it says would pay not only for the construction of a new community pool across the road from the Barbican, but also the refurbishment of the Yearsley and Edmund Wilson baths.

Labour group leader Dave Merrett is to write to the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber to say that the Barbican plans are deeply flawed.

He said the party was concerned about inadequate parking provision, the scale of the development, the traffic consequences of such a big building and inadequate plans to replace existing facilities.

Coun Merrett said: "We are asking for an inquiry into this planning decision because we believe it is a deeply flawed application, and needs a full and independent scrutiny.

"At the planning committee, it quickly became clear that there were too many unanswered questions, too much development on the site, too little attention paid to the impact on the Bar Walls and adjacent residents, and hopelessly inadequate parking provision.

"At the very least, an inquiry would mean the concerns people have could be given full consideration. Residents need to feel confident that the planning decision has been taken fairly, and objectively - after thorough consideration.

"People don't feel that at the moment, and an inquiry could deal with their concerns head on."

But Coun Galloway said: "This proposal has been going through the consultation and informal planning process for more than three years.

"If this matter is called in - and this action is not being supported by major bodies such as English Heritage - the consequences could be we would lose not only the Barbican, but at least one of the pools in the city.

"The delay would mean essential investment would not take place. This is a matter of deep concern to myself."

Updated: 10:59 Tuesday, May 25, 2004