A TOP council officer who has played a leading part in handling major developments and projects in York is to face a new challenge.

Roy Templeman, City of York Council's director of environment and leisure services, is leaving after six years to become chief executive of Chester-le-Street District Council. He will move at the beginning of June.

Mr Templeman said York was a "fantastic" city to work in.

He picked out York Central, Park&Ride, the work with the University of York on Science City and York being named Transport Authority of the Year 2003 as highlights.

Mr Templeman said: "There have been significant changes, changes that have complemented York's history.

"One of the things that particularly comes across from working with York residents is the passion they feel about their city, and the contribution they make about the way their home evolves."

Council leader Steve Galloway paid tribute to Mr Templeman's work in York, and said he faced a "tremendous challenge" at the County Durham council, which has recently come under fire for falling standards.

He said: "He has worked tremendously hard for the city and has been associated with a lot of major proposals for it, as well as helping us to develop York Pride.

"He has grappled with the extremely difficult task of reconciling the aspirations of the community for jobs and housing against the fears of those who don't wish the special structure of the city to be changed."

Mr Templeman came to York from Coventry City Council, where he was in charge of buying council services from outside contractors.

As well as big projects such as Park&Ride and York Central, Mr Templeman has had to balance the need for more new homes in York against the views of important, influential and outspoken local lobby groups, such as the York Civic Trust.

Updated: 10:48 Tuesday, May 04, 2004