York's new Coppergate extension will be cramped, too close to Clifford's Tower and "a monstrosity", according to public views on the plan.

But others who wrote in a council comments book on the proposal said it would turn York into a shining example to the world.

The City of York Council has been displaying a scale model and artist's impressions of how the new £60 million shopping complex could look.

Comments penned in a pair of books next to the model reveal about a two-thirds majority of people expressing some form of distaste at the scheme.

The most common objection is that the new shops and flats will crowd Clifford's Tower. Some wanted to see the new development cut back to provide more open space.

But one York woman wrote: "It makes a real feature out of the tower. If handled properly, it will create a valuable piece of open space."

Others described the controversial "glass palace" structure at Piccadilly, next to the bridge over the River Foss, as "a monstrosity", "the Titanic", "an ocean liner" and one said it would fit in better on Southend Pier.

One architecture student wrote: "I agree we do need modern architecture in York but not this green thing with its superglue lid."

Another common objection was the loss of Caf Andros, a listed building.

The scheme is set to include a massive Debenham's department store, two large stores and 17 smaller shops, 130 new flats, parking for more than 700 cars and a new pedestrian street bridging the Foss.

It has been attacked by the York Civic Trust for "overdeveloping" the site at the expense of historic buildings.

The City of York Council said all the comments it had received would be digested and taken into consideration.

But if the criticisms came mainly from York people, it may be heartening for the developers to know that at least one entry among the items of praise in the comments books came from a tourist. A man from Argentina wrote simply: "Congratulations to York."

Roy Templeman, of the City of York Council, said the consultation period for Coppergate was now officially almost over but planners would happily consider any views on the subject that arrive in the next few weeks.

He said: "I really want to thank everybody who has written in with comments so far, and we've had about 170 letters, both positive and negative." The issue will come before the planning committee probably in August or September.

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