York's retail boom advanced yet again today with news that another shopping centre is being planned for the city.

Developers want to build a £2.5 million out-of-town shopping village - in town.

The 60,000 square foot development, just outside the city walls at a disused rail depot near B&Q, on the Foss Islands Road, would house three or four large stores similar to those at Clifton Moor.

The developer, Wilson Bowden Properties, has submitted an outline planning application to the city council, and it has a good chance of being approved because the site is earmarked for retail development in York's local plan.

If it gets the green light at the planning stages, the mini-Clifton Moor, which would include a car park, would be open in about 18 months' time.

The chairman of the Clifton Moor Business Association, Bill Heath, said it would not pose a threat to his members. "What we have found with similar developments is that it will actually help boost overall trade," he said. "There is enough business for both, or they would not go there in the first place."

News of the Foss Islands development comes just a week after York city centre's biggest shopping development for 20 years was unveiled.

A £60 million expansion of the Coppergate Centre will feature the city's largest department store, 750 parking spaces, 120 flats, two large stores and 18 smaller ones, and a new bridge over the River Foss.

Coupled with the £90 million development of the Monk's Cross retail park, the £60 million Naburn shopping village and new shops in the Davygate area, the Foss Islands investment marks another milestone in York's boom-town year.

Meanwhile, a 56,000 square foot office block is being planned to replace car parking spaces at the Bar Lane car park, Toft Green, York.The City of York Council is currently in discussion with construction giant Jarvis plc over sale of the site.

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