THE controversial plans for the £60 million Coppergate Riverside proposals reached their final hurdle today with the start of a three-week Government inquiry.
Protesters made their opposition clear as inspector Anthony Bingham arrived at York's Guildhall.
Members of the Castle Area Campaign, including representatives of York's Green Party, and Environmental Group LEAF, paraded banners as developers, opponents and members of the public arrived for the hearing.
Stuart Wilson, of the Castle Area Campaign, said: "Piccadilly should definitely be developed, but the historic area around Clifford's Tower should be left alone."
The scheme, to transform land surrounding Clifford's Tower and in Piccadilly into 250,000 square feet of retail space, restaurants, offices, flats, leisure facilities and a multi-storey car park, is one of the most contested in the history of City of York Council.
Planners gave it the go-ahead in November 2000 after a decade of heated debate, but it provoked opposition before Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott decided to launch the inquiry.
Today's hearing starts with evidence from applicants Land Securities. The inquiry will last three weeks and cost York taxpayers up to £110,000.
Updated: 12:49 Friday, January 18, 2002
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