GREENS have thrown their weight behind the opposition to the proposed redevelopment of York's Barbican Centre.

York Green Party claims the "massive and inappropriate over-development" is completely unsustainable.

"It is important to be clear that a few energy-efficient light bulbs here and a free bicycle there do not constitute sustainability," it says.

Developers' claims that the scheme would have a relatively small impact on traffic and air quality levels in the area "fly in the face of common sense", and of any detailed objective analysis, says the party.

The party is also concerned about the loss of sports and leisure facilities from under one roof, saying this would be particularly inappropriate at a time when national and international agencies have identified growing obesity and loss of accessible sports facilities as a major public health issue. It claims there is no evidence that the requirement in the Local Plan for adequate replacement leisure facilities to be provided is being met.

The party is backing calls for a public inquiry to fully investigate all the issues.

"There are so many unanswered questions hanging over these proposals, we believe that a public inquiry is the best way forward, even if it does mean some continued uncertainty," said party spokesperson, Denise Craghill.

"At the moment we seem to be losing a multi-purpose sports and leisure facility accessible to all, and in return gaining a glitzy entertainments centre, accessible only to the better off and a much inferior swimming pool, along with completely unsustainable increased traffic levels in the area."

The party's comments come only days before City of York Council's planning committee is due to discuss the proposals by the council and Barbican Venture (York) Ltd to redevelop the auditorium, build 240 apartments and a 135-bedroom hotel, and construct a new community swimming pool on the other side of Kent Street.

Officers are recommending approval of the scheme, despite vigorous opposition by the Save Our Barbican campaign group.

Updated: 10:53 Monday, April 19, 2004