Terry's site traffic fears raised

The new development could create about 2,000 jobs

Plans to deal with extra traffic from the redeveloped Terry's chocolate factory site in York are to be scrutinised at a public meeting later.

The Bishopthorpe Road site, which closed in 2005, is to house businesses, hotels, a health centre and new homes under plans by developer Grantside.

The developers intend to cut the number of car journeys to and from the site by providing a shuttle bus service.

But some councillors say the measures do not go far enough.

Micklegate ward Labour councillor Dave Merrett said: "I am very concerned that most residents are unaware of the scale of this development and, in particular, its impact on the road network.

"Even though the application has been in for a long time, the detailed traffic proposals have only been received a few weeks ago, and many people will not have picked this up."

'Increased delays'

He said the traffic assessment had shown "significant impacts" and the need to alter junctions and signals up to Scarcroft Road northwards and as far as Moor Lane roundabout and Tesco to the south.

"Even with all these measures there will be increased queuing and delays at many of these routes and junctions under these proposals," he said.

Steve Davis, managing director of Grantside Developments, explained "the impact" of traffic on the surrounding area had been a priority.

"We have come to the conclusion that we need to get people from the site to the station or park and ride quickly," he said.

"The quickest way to do that is to provide a flexible and reliable shuttle bus service solely for the use of that site that will encourage people out of their cars into other forms of transport."

Kraft Foods closed the factory in September 2005 bringing to an end more than a century of chocolate making in York by Terry's, which began production in 1886.

A public meeting about the traffic proposals will be held between 1500 BST and 2000 BST at the Ebor Stand, York Racecourse.