THE company behind the controversial York "Coppergate II" plans is considering a new expansion blueprint for the shopping centre in the shadow of Clifford's Tower, the Evening Press can reveal.

The £60 million Coppergate Riverside scheme was rejected by the Government last year, following a lengthy public inquiry.

But senior executives at Land Securities, which proposed the massive retail and residential redevelopment, are examining a new report looking at ways to "extend" the existing Coppergate shopping centre.

Francis Salway, who will succeed Ian Henderson as the new group chief executive of Land Securities in July, has already visited the site, when he also inspected land due for redevelopment at Hungate.

Land Securities' development director Mike McGuinness, who is involved in both York schemes, said: "Mr Salway visited the city earlier this year and the development team has subsequently put forward a report on a possible way forward for extension of the Coppergate centre.

"It is now for the board to decide what we do next, but in the meantime it's business as usual."

But Stuart Wilson, of the Castle Area Campaign, which fought against Land Securities' Coppergate Riverside proposals, said they still opposed the idea of a retail development on the site.

He said: "We are going round and round in circles. It's still never been proven that there is a retail demand for that area of the city. We believe the historic tourism aspect is more important than the shopping to the prosperity of the city."

Coun Steve Galloway, leader of City of York Council, said a public consultation about what should happen to the Coppergate site would begin shortly. "If they (Land Securities) are positively engaged in looking at options for the area, I think that is healthy."

Mr Salway also visited the ten-acre semi-derelict site at Hungate, where Land Securities and joint venture partners Crosby Homes and Evans Property Group have submitted proposals to reshape the area.

Coppergate was opened to the public in October 1984 aiming to change shopping in the city forever. The Coppergate II scheme was first unveiled in 1997. Land Securities amended its plans in 1998 in the light of public concerns but the scheme was refused in January 1999 for being "too close to Clifford's Tower".

New plans won the council over, but a planning inquiry ruled against the scheme last September.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, April 08, 2004