Opponents of the scheme to extend York's Coppergate Centre mounted a demonstration today to explain why they thought the plans should be thrown out.

Members of the newly formed York Alliance, which includes York architects and a former York planning chief among its members, warned members of the public that the project would be unacceptable for a number of reasons.

They claimed the development would be too large for the site, was too close to Clifford's Tower, and that all the trees on the car park site would be felled.

But Diana Dickson, manager of the existing Coppergate Centre, mounted her own one-woman counter-demonstration, telling passers-by that York badly needed the new shops that Coppergate Phase Two would bring with it, particularly as the city centre was now having to fight for custom against several out-of-town shopping centres.

Meanwhile, following criticism of the scheme by the York Allience, Land Securities issued a statement saying it had received a "very positive response from many members of the public and local organisations. They feel it is time to replace outworn non-historic buildings which are detracting from the appearance of the Piccadilly area."

It also said it would have a programme of tree planting and conservation of bird habitats and plants in and beside the Foss.

Buildings facing Clifford's Tower had been reduced in height and had amended rooflines. "However, it is essential to have buildings of commercially viable size and configuration, so that the development can be of the right quality."

Revised plans to extend York's Coppergate Centre went on public display today.Mike Laycock checked out residents' reaction to the £60 million scheme

Like the curate's egg. Good in parts.

That seemed to be Joe Public's response today to Land Securities' controversial scheme for a massive extension to the Coppergate Centre, on land between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly.

Revised plans were recently announced in response to public criticism of the firm's original scheme, which was unveiled in the spring. The changes include keeping rather than demolishing Caf Andros, lowering the height of the shops fronting on to Clifford's Tower and altering a building on Piccadilly, which some had said looked previously like the Queen Mary liner.

A model of the revised plans went on display this morning in Exhibition Square, and members of the public were invited to come and give their verdict. We asked half a dozen people what they thought.

The reaction of Muriel and Tony Pook, from York, was typical. "Bits of it are quite nice," said Muriel. "But it's still too near to Clifford's Tower." Her husband agreed, but welcomed changes to the Queen Mary liner.

Martin Bartlett was also concerned about the shops' proximity to the tower, "but reducing the height has made it better." He felt the whole development was "too dense", and was also worried about the impact of pile-driving on archaeological remains in Piccadilly.

John Poppleton from Escrick welcomed the reduction in the height of buildings but was worried about the impact of the development on the adjacent River Foss.

Vivien Welburn, from Acomb, said she had mixed feelings about the scheme. She felt York was short of cheaper accommodation and the development was an opportunity lost. But she felt the proposals would provide a much-needed improvement to Piccadilly.

Pamela and Jack Cawthera, who live close to the development site in Castlegate, had no doubts that the scheme should go ahead.

"I am very pleased," said Mrs Cawthera. "I think it's delightful."

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