York stadium retail park 'would strain city centre shops'

The stadium would secure the future for York's professional sports clubs

A large retail development on the outskirts of York would "strain" city centre shops, according to planners.

Oakgate Ltd wants to build a 6,000-seat community stadium and large retail stores at Monks Cross.

Council officers said it would draw trade from the city centre but added the stadium would guarantee the future of the city's football club.

They make no recommendation to councillors who meet on 17 May.

Planning officers say the scheme for Monks Cross, which includes a 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) John Lewis store and a 120,000 sq ft (11,148 sq m) Marks and Spencer shop, could add up to £16m a year to the city's economy.

But they add the scheme would have a "significant impact on the city centre both in terms of trade diversion and loss of market share."

The stadium element, the report says, would help "secure a sustainable future" for both the city's professional football and rugby league clubs.

Both clubs support the planning application and York City FC believes approval of the application is the only way it can secure its long-term future.

The reports adds that without the stadium element the application would not be acceptable.

The Labour-run council will have to refer the application to the secretary of state for the environment if planning permission is granted.