A riverside shopping development has come under fire from conservationists.

In its annual report, York Georgian Society says it has worries over the design and impact of the proposed £60m Coppergate scheme.

Spokeswoman Pat Brown said the society was pleased that the Secretary of State had called in the proposals and that a public inquiry would be held in January.

"We are worried firstly about the quality of the proposed buildings, and secondly about their effect on the historic environment, in particular the Castle Museum, Clifford's Tower and the riverside vistas," she said.

She added that the number of shops and the servicing of premises had not been properly thought through.

But Richard Akers, portfolio director of Land Securities, which is behind the project, insisted it would be of benefit to the city.

"The Georgian Society's report comes as no real surprise to us, since they are only reiterating what they said earlier," he said