MOVES to build a new Park&Ride site on green belt land at Acomb have been unveiled by City of York Council transport planners.

But the plans, which would eventually bring the number of sites in York to eight, are not expected to become reality for at least another decade.

The proposals, contained in a public consultation document delivered to homes, look at constructing a new facility at the junction of the B1224, next to the city's outer ring road.

Called "Have your say on York's green belt", the document asks people to complete a questionnaire giving their views on the Acomb site and other schemes designed following a consultation exercise in May.

Although York has had a draft green belt for more than four decades, its boundaries have never been formally agreed.

About 80 per cent of the City of York Council area is within the green belt. The council wants to use two per cent of this land to provide housing and employment opportunities.

As part of the Park&Ride scheme, there are also early plans to divert the outer ring-road to assist access to the facility and business land which may be developed if the proposals are approved.

Park&Ride sites already exist at Rawcliffe, Grimston Bar, Askham Bar, and the McArthurGlen designer shops outlet. Others are being planned at Wigginton, serving York District Hospital, and Monks Cross. A further site is being looked at beside the A59.

Objections to the green belt Park&Ride site could see the scheme dropped by councillors or referred to the Government in a public inquiry.

Dan Johnson, principal transport planner with City of York Council, said: "This is at a very early stage. We are looking very much in the long term. Even as much as 20 to 30 years ahead."

Colin Knight, the council's head of transport planning, said it was too early to say what impact any future Park&Ride site would have on parking in the city.

The embryonic proposals have come under fire from one resident who fears the plans could turn Acomb into "a light industrial area".

John Burton, who lives close to the proposed Park&Ride site, said: "I am vehemently opposed to losing a portion of the green belt for a further Park&Ride at some point in the future. I can see the logic behind Park&Ride, but I am concerned. I feel that most people who have bought houses in Acomb will feel the same."

Updated: 12:12 Wednesday, June 26, 2002