PLANS to build a "mini village" in a York suburb have been given the go-ahead by City of York councillors.

An application to build 193 apartments and houses at Birch Park, in Huntington, was approved by members of the council's planning committee - despite concerns that an inclusion of a footbridge link from the development site to nearby roads would create an "escape route" for criminals.

In response, applicants Barratt Homes and S Harrison Developments offered to add CCTV to the site, and to remove the footbridge if preferred.

Members also voiced concerns that as not all floors would be accessible through lifts, the plan would not be a "development for life".

The applicants agreed to look into changing the design to improve access and a scheme that would secure access to the footbridge if necessary.

Members imposed further restrictions on height and to protect the beck during construction work.

Yesterday, Coun Peter Vaughan, chairman of Huntington Parish Council, said it was right that the site should be developed, as building on brownfield land would reduce the strain on the green belt.

People buying homes at the development will be offered a free bike or a six month bus pass, to help solve the city's traffic problems.

Harrison Developments group's design manager Chris Hale said he was delighted the scheme had been approved.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, February 27, 2004