A GUIDE to the future development of a former industrial site in York has been approved by councillors.

The plan provides broad principles for the future development of the former Tenneco Automotive site at Rawcliffe.

Its aim is to ensure that the site is developed in a "coherent and sustainable manner", says development control officer Andrew Cockett.

Last October, planning chiefs accepted an outline application to build a new 275-home village on the site.

Permission to provide healthcare and retail facilities was also sought in the outline application.

In light of that application, planners moved to put the guidelines together.

"It was in view of the limited information contained within the outline application (that) officers recommended to members that a development brief be prepared for this site, to ensure it is developed according to principles acceptable to local residents and the council," says Mr Cockett in the introduction to the plan.

The guidelines recommend that any housing on the site should "normally" be restricted to two storeys, though they say three storeys "may be acceptable" in central areas.

Buildings should be designed along energy-efficient lines, with a high level of insulation, and there should be proper facilities for the disabled.

It is recommended that healthcare facilities are available on site, but the provision of retail outlets is rejected.

This, says the guidelines, is to prevent any impact on existing facilities in the Rawcliffe area.

At the time the new village was being proposed, Liberal Democrat leader Steve Galloway leader called for retail facilities to be excluded.

"There is concern that it is unnecessary because of retail outlets in the area already," he said then.

The report also recommends that developers make at least 25 per cent of the homes on site "affordable".

Public transport links could be provided to the site via a bus-only route - controlled by a rising bollard.

The council has "an aspiration" to provide this new bus route, the report says.

Pedestrian and cycle routes should also be carefully designed and included in the site plan before road lines are approved.

Coun Ann Reid recommended holding a consultation over plans for the rising bollard.

"I think we should approve this, but I think it is important we consult on the bollard," she said.

The report also recommends that two areas of public open space - accessible to all - are guaranteed within the site.

Updated: 11:12 Wednesday, March 06, 2002