A MASSIVE York housing and business park plan is back on the agenda with a new proposal.

Landowners Persimmon Homes are currently preparing for a public inquiry, after opting for a Government inspector to make the decision on the former site of printing firm RR Donnelley, in Boroughbridge Road, rather than City of York Council.

But it is hoped the inquiry can now be avoided after an alternative application for 250 homes and a 4,000 square metre business park was submitted.

The previous application looked set to be turned down by councillors because it was not considered to offer enough space for employment use.

John Stroughair, technical director with Persimmon Homes, said: "We are keen to negotiate to find a proposal that is acceptable to everybody.

"The first application was in two parts - one of which was for 276 homes and the other was for a business park. This one combines both so it is a mix of residential and commercial use.

"We have had dialogue with senior planning officers and we are hopeful that it will be more acceptable."

The plan also includes public open space.

He said the public inquiry was still scheduled to take place.

But, if the new application was supported, it would not be needed.

"If we can avoid a public inquiry, then we would be keen to do that."

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, December 05, 2001