THE controversial Coppergate Riverside development goes against virtually every rule set by City of York Council for protecting historical buildings, York Civic Trust has said.

Chairman Darrell Buttery told a public inquiry that the council's deposit draft of the local plan lays down rules which must be considered when looking at schemes like Coppergate.

He said: "The trust supports every aspect of that policy, but believes the present scheme conflicts with it on almost every count.

"The scale and massing of the proposal is too big, nor does it have any respect for adjacent buildings, landmarks or their settings.

"There is a huge amount of glass, of through-coloured render and timber cladding, none of which are traditional materials and yet which would dominate the external cladding of this large complex.

"The trust therefore considers the council's own policy is seriously compromised in this scheme."

The policy states that planning permission will only be given if there is no adverse effect on listed buildings.

Developer Land Securities' controversial scheme for a £60 million redevelopment of land between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly was given planning permission in November 2000, but was called in for a public inquiry by the Secretary of State.

The inquiry, being heard in York's Guildhall, was today due to hear from an architect employed by the Civic Trust.

Andrew Brown was expected to say: "I consider that the proposal as a whole is too large in size and will inevitably result in a very substantial change to the character and appearance of this part of York."

It emerged earlier in the day that the inquiry is overrunning so badly that it will have to be adjourned on February 8, while lawyers and other professionals re-schedule their diaries.

City of York Council warned that the costs to the taxpayer may more than double as the bill for lawyers' fees soars.

Updated: 11:42 Wednesday, January 30, 2002