THOUSANDS of jobs could be created in York by ambitious expansion plans for the city's university.

Bosses at the University of York said today that its plans to double the size of the campus in Heslington would lead directly to 4,500 new posts during the next 15 years, adding that an equal number of "spin-off" jobs could also be created in the area.

An outline planning application was submitted to City of York Council planners today detailing proposals for the 65-hectare development, which will stretch from Heslington's east boundary to Grimston bar Park & Ride.

University vice-chancellor Brian Cantor said: "The University of York is one of the best in Britain. We must grow in order to sustain this excellence and we have a wonderful opportunity to do so.

"I believe it gives the whole city a focus for optimism in our collective future."

The university currently employs 2,700 people and the expansion would place it alongside the current top three employers in York - the city council, Nestl and York Hospitals Trust.

Student numbers would also grow from about 10,000 to 15,500.

Len Cruddas, chief executive of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said the jobs boost would be particularly welcome in the light of the recent bad news about the closure of Terry's.

"This is excellent news, not just for York, but also for the whole of the region," he said.

"We already have the best university in the country, and this development will help ensure that it continues to be the best."

A third of the site will be devoted to fostering new ventures as part of Science City York, which has generated more than 9,000 jobs.

The scheme has drawn strong opposition from neighbouring communities in Heslington and Fulford.

But university bosses insist the plans have been created with "sustainable development" in mind.

Work will begin in early 2006, subject to planning approval. The development will take ten to 15 years to complete.

Updated: 10:43 Friday, April 30, 2004