Terry's developer 'may pull out'

The Bishopthorpe Road site ceased production in 2005

The developer of the former Terry's chocolate factory in York has warned it could pull out of the scheme after plans were rejected by councillors.

A £185m scheme for homes, shops, hotels and a health centre on the Bishopthorpe Road site was turned down by the city's planning committee last week.

Members were concerned about the impact of the development on the local area.

Steve Davis, managing director of developer Grantside, said abandoning the scheme was "a real possibility".

Council officers had recommended that councillors approve the plans, which also had the backing of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

But committee members were concerned about the effects of the development on traffic levels in the surrounding area.

Plea to council

Mr Davis said Grantside was becoming so frustrated with the planning process it may have to consider pulling out of the project.

"That's crossed my mind," he told BBC Radio York.

"It genuinely is the last thing I want to do but, you know, we have put so much time and effort into this development.

"I do want to continue it, but we need to find out can it be developed, is there a solution to what these queries and problems are and is the city going to help me and make it a priority?"

Kraft Foods closed the factory in September 2005. Terry's began production there in 1886.

When Grantside unveiled its plans for the site in 2006, it said the redevelopment could create up to 2,000 jobs. Work was originally scheduled to start in spring 2007.