LAND Securities has given a firm assurance that Coppergate Riverside would not involve fast-food restaurants near Clifford's Tower.

It has accused opponents of its £60 million scheme of spreading inaccurate information about such matters in an effort to influence public opinion. Meanwhile, the developers have released an electronic image showing the scene from the top step at Clifford's Tower after the retail, restaurant and apartments if the complex is built.

The image, passed yesterday to the inspector at the Coppergate Riverside public inquiry, reveals that the view of the listed Castle Museum, formerly the Women's Prison, would be partially obscured by a new building.

Land Securities was responding to points made earlier on in the inquiry by opponents of the scheme. Critics suggested that the approach to the historic tower would be disfigured by fast food outlets. But in its submission yesterday, the developers said: "The scheme concept demands a high quality of restaurant operation on the tower's frontage in keeping with the civic and historic nature of the open space."

It said lower quality or fast food restaurants in this position would devalue the whole scheme, particularly the residential units above.

The company also revealed that it had suggested a condition should be contained within a planning agreement, prohibiting fast food restaurants, and this had been agreed with City of York Council prior to a planning committee meeting.

The inquiry continues.

Updated: 11:37 Thursday, January 31, 2002