HUGE plans to create new space for York businesses at Monks Cross have been rocked by an objection from an important Government body.

The Countryside Agency is seeking to block a planning application to build on 32 acres of land at Monks Cross Drive.

The agency is backing a proposal to reopen a rail link between York and Beverley.

The body issued a report, called Railway Reopenings, suggesting the resumption of the line - closed since the days of Dr Beeching - could reduce congestion on the busy A1079.

But the Monks Cross planning application, which is partly in the city's green belt, would be constructed right in the path of the old line.

Hundreds of jobs could be created by the plans, which are part of the multi-million pound Monks Cross master plan.

Now Countryside Agency chiefs have confirmed they will fight the proposals - to the delight of rail campaigners.

Parish councillors in Huntington have already expressed their strong opposition to the plans.

Mike Barningham, of the Countryside Agency, said: "We have objected to the planning application. This is mainly because the development would cut right across the York to Beverley route.

"Having a development on that site would annihilate any chance of a restoration of the line."

Philip Taylor, of the Minsters' Rail Campaign, said: "This is brilliant news. The chance to take the line through the Monks Cross business and employment centre is too good to miss.

"We have been campaigning for some months and we are delighted that a body as prestigious as the Countryside Agency has stepped in.

"We demand that, in the interests of north York and East Yorkshire, it is crucial that City of York Council makes provisions for the railway corridor in any final plans."

The parish council is concerned that Huntington is already overdeveloped and, with plans for York City Football Club to relocate to Huntington Stadium, councillors fear that further development will only result in traffic gridlock.

Updated: 11:54 Tuesday, May 27, 2003