A RADICAL alternative to York's Coppergate Riverside scheme has won the backing of environmentalists.

The York Natural Environment Trust has given its support to city businessman Martin Burgess's vision for the Castle Quarter, a rival to the controversial Coppergate Riverside which aims to extend the Coppergate shopping centre into Piccadilly and the car park in front of Clifford's Tower.

The Castle Quarter scheme aims to protect the Tower area with sympathetic design, including riverside courtyards along the Foss.

But no application for planning permission has yet been made for the scheme, and none is likely until a public inquiry into the Coppergate Riverside and another alternative to make the area public parkland, made by York Tomorrow, is heard.

The Government's planning inspectorate announced yesterday that the inquiry, which was due to be heard on September 25, had been postponed to an as-yet-unknown date because it clashed with Jewish celebrations for New Year.

The trust's vice-chairman, Barry Potter, said of the Castle Quarter: "This scheme has the potential to meet the aspirations of many people.

"It shows that a businessman with vision can produce a solution to the regeneration of Piccadilly without the need for an over-dominant scheme like Coppergate Riverside."

The group has always opposed the Coppergate Riverside plans, claiming it would damage the Foss and ruin the setting of Clifford's Tower.

"By being prepared to stand back at a respectful distance from the castle site's best features, the Castle Quarter scheme will provide the park demanded by York people, a fitting setting for Clifford's Tower and landscape and habitat for the Foss wildlife corridor," said Mr Potter.

The postponed inquiry will not look at Mr Burgess's alternative, although it is thought the inspector will be made aware that the alternative has been proposed.

A spokesman for Land Securities, responsible for the Coppergate Riverside scheme which was given planning permission by City of York Council, but is now subject to an inquiry, said: "We accept and understand the inspector's decision to postpone the inquiry and are ready to present our case."

Updated: 11:34 Thursday, August 30, 2001