 York Central is one of the UK's biggest urban renewal projects |
Fears have been raised that plans to develop a huge area of disused land near the centre of York could add to traffic congestion in the city. Up to 35 hectares of land next to the railway station has been earmarked for homes, shops and offices.
On Tuesday, city councillors are due to discuss how the York Central project will affect already-congested roads.
Planners aim to limit to 20% the number of journeys made by car onto the new site, a figure some say is unrealistic.
Rare opportunity
The council's opposition Labour group has expressed concern that the target will not be met, leading to more congestion and air pollution on surrounding roads.
They also raised concerns about the possible closure of Leeman Road to all but public transport, arguing that people who live there will be forced to drive into the city centre via Clifton and Bootham.
Supporters say more than �100m could be spent over the next 20 years developing York Central's transport links, including two new bridges onto the site - one from Holgate Park, the other from Queen Street.
On its website, the council describes the project as "a once in a millennium" opportunity to create a modern central business, residential and cultural district next to the city centre.
"The site is two thirds the size of York's walled centre and will contribute to York's future growth in employment and housing requirements to 2021."
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