YORK Tories are calling for the £60 million Coppergate Riverside scheme to go to a public inquiry.

City of York Conservative Association wants Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to call in Land Securities' controversial planning application, saying it needs to be subjected to independent and objective scrutiny.

And, citing two Evening Press surveys of reader views, it says public opinion is strongly against the construction of shops in front of Clifford's Tower.

City of York Council conditionally approved the project to redevelop land between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly last month. But the green light is subject to the Secretary of State NOT wishing to call it in and hold an inquiry.

York Civic Trust and York Green Party have both come out strongly in favour of him doing just that.

Now the Tories have joined them, saying that two large shopping blocks proposed near Clifford's Tower would "destroy an open aspect essential to its historic setting."

Association chairman Simon Mallett continues: "Objections to this element of the application are widespread within the city and beyond....

"We would refer you to two surveys conducted by the Evening Press and published by them on September 5 and November 29 which revealed 82 per cent and 91 per cent respectively in favour of retaining the Castle precinct area as open space.

"These have been the only surveys which invited views on alternative uses for the site and whilst not scientific, they strongly indicate the level of public concern."

Mr Mallett argues that City of York Council has a direct financial interest in the commercial development of the site. "Given this perceived level of interest, we consider that their decision should be subjected to independent and objective public scrutiny."

He says a retail impact study by C B Hillier Parker, commissioned by the council, has sufficiently contentious methodology and conclusions to justify independent scrutiny.

"The application approved by the council will adversely affect York's most historic and sensitive site and will alter the whole character of the city in perpetuity.

"Because of the exceptional circumstances arising in this case, we take the considered view that the development proposals can only be satisfactorily determined after detailed and independent scrutiny of all the relevant issues at a public inquiry."