A PROTEST has been staged against plans for a new Marks & Spencer store and community stadium on the edge of York.

The 120,000sq ft store would create about 200 new jobs and form part of a Monks Cross development including a new home for York City FC and York City Knights.

Oakgate (Monks Cross) Ltd, which expects to submit a planning application shortly, was today launching a two-day public exhibition of its plans, and last night held a Guildhall preview event for councillors and other parties.

But York’s Green Party voiced its objections ahead of the event, saying the retail development, which could bring 750 new jobs in total, would harm city-centre businesses and cause traffic problems.

The party’s vice-chair, Denise Craghill, said: “The impact on city centre businesses and jobs could be massive and it drives a coach and horses through all the development plans York has for the next 20 to 30 years.”

Meanwhile, Dartstone Properties, which has unveiled an alternative stadium project on land next to the Outer Ring Road, said it wanted residents and City of York Council to consider supporting its “bigger and better” complex ahead of its own planning application.

Its plans originally envisaged two grounds – one each for City and the Knights – but a Dartstone spokeswoman said: “Consultation to date has identified the need for one shared stadium with additional practice pitches.

“It also includes additional space for community facilities. The city would benefit from an enhanced sporting venue at no cost to the council or taxpayers in a location not adjacent to a popular shopping destination.”

Oakgate Group managing director Richard France said: “We are committed to maintaining the vitality of York city centre and believe our proposals will not only complement it, but assist in attracting and encouraging shoppers to visit and stay in York rather than to shop elsewhere.

“There will be large new areas of green space, including a community park and a ‘green edge’ to the site, which will retain and encourage the growth of trees and plants and protect local biodiversity.

“This is a viable, realistic and progressive scheme and we are looking forward to getting feedback from the local community.”