THE public inquiry into the Coppergate Riverside plans in York is to start again on Tuesday, May 14, for three weeks.

But it was predicted today that the inquiry will probably have to extend into a third session, which has been pencilled in for July.

The inquiry began in January after an application for a 250,000 sq ft development of land in Piccadilly and in the shadow of Clifford's Tower was approved by City of York Council in November 2000.

It was adjourned on February 8 with numerous witnesses still to make their cases both for and against the scheme.

The next phase will start on May 14 and will run for three weeks, but will not sit on Mondays.

The first week, May 14 to 17, and the third week, May 28 to 31, will be based at the Guildhall, but the second week, May 21 to 24, will take place at the Moat House Hotel in North Street, York.

City of York Council has also booked a further period, from July 2 to 12 at the Guildhall, in case the inquiry is not completed by the end of May. Keith Davis, a member of the Castle Area Campaign, one of the groups opposing the plans, said: "I believe that another adjournment is inevitable and there will definitely have to be a third section. It's going to cost us even more money."

He said anyone wanting to add their signature to the campaign against the development could sign up at an Easter Sunday signing session. Anyone who has not already made representations on either side of the issue can write in to: The Planning Inspectorate, M Dean, Room 3/17, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, telephone 0117 372 8546.

Updated: 11:03 Wednesday, March 20, 2002