THE multi-million pound expansion plans for the city centre campus of the College of Ripon and York St John has been given the green light by councillors.

But a second plan to convert the Clarence Street car park, which has prompted much opposition, has been deferred.

York planners had backed a scheme to turn the 476-space car park opposite the college into a coach and car park with spaces for 194 cars, 39 coaches, eight motorcycles and 12 cycles. Now, they are being sent back to the drawing board to propose different ideas that might help allay residents' fears of congestion and coaches using adjoining Union Terrace.

Councillors agreed unanimously to the College expansion plans for a three-storey learning centre with a curved frontage on the coach park, which would include a library, lecture theatre and an Internet caf.

A sports science building and psychology building will be built on the site of the existing swimming pool and squash courts, with a third building behind. The new facilities will be open to the local community.

Professor William Wardell, deputy principal, said after the meeting: "We are delighted that planning permission has been granted. These superb new buildings are a vital and exciting part of the College's plans for the future. They demonstrate our commitment to improving facilities for the existing and future students of the College and the local community.

"These buildings reflect our commitment to play an important part in the future prosperity of the City of York."

Work on the buildings is scheduled to begin in 2002, for completion by 2003.

Both decisions have to be referred to the Secretary of State. The College expansion will need approval because it is a departure from the 1956 Development Town Map.

Updated: 10:23 Friday, April 13, 2001