A CONSULTATION on new plans for York's Nestlé Rowntree plant has been launched.

City residents are being invited to view and comment on the recently-published draft development brief for a 7.9 hectare site at the southern end of the firm's Haxby Road complex.

The site - which has been dubbed Nestlé South - has been earmarked for mixed-use development.

A two-month consultation period has now begun, with the results to be brought to the planning committee in the summer.

Last month, The Press reported on the blueprint for the site, which included the possibility of a new link road through the heart of the current Nestlé site, between Wigginton Road and Haxby Road.

The draft brief said any future development of the site should help to meet current and future demand for employment uses central to the long-term success of York's economy.

On the mix of uses, the draft brief stated: "The imperative in redeveloping this site will be to create a sustainable development with a strong sense of community and identity which, in true Rowntree tradition, can be referred to in future as an exemplar of its genre.

"There are opportunities in terms of community heating, innovative approaches to transport/ car parking, building design, and cycle/pedestrian links to and from the site.

"The very name Rowntree will potentially attract a lot of interest in any scheme to redevelop this area."

It added: "The Quaker family expressed their creativity and conscience on this site and their achievements should provide inspiration for the site's future development."

Paul Grimwood, Nestlé managing director, last year described the firm's 170-acre complex as a "factory of two halves", with outdated original 19th century brick buildings at the south end of the site, alongside modern, purpose-built buildings.

Copies of the development document are available to view in all City of York Council libraries, on www.york.gov.uk and in the reception of 9 St Leonard's Place. All comments must be received by April 10.

A housing opportunity

The draft document on the future of the Nestlé South site said there would be opportunities to provide housing for families and single households, including those living locally who are currently in unsuitable accommodation and who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market.

It suggested any future redevelopment should respect the character and setting of the site, and the important views of the main office building and entrance off Haxby Road.

It also suggested the area along Haxby Road, around the Nuffield Hospital and Rowntree Theatre, could be considered for conservation areas status.