Some residents of Heslington oppose the plans

The university wants to develop land at Heslington East, next to the main campus, to help it increase student numbers from 10,000 to 15,000.

Hundreds of residents have objected to the proposals, citing the impact on roads, noise, crime and pollution.

If approved, the university has said it expects the plans to be subject to a public planning inquiry.

This development should take place on brownfield sites within the York city boundary Richard Frost, Heslington Parish Council

A recent survey by the Heslington Village Trust found 90% of residents were against the expansion.

Richard Frost, parish council chairman, said: "We will fight the proposals in principle and in detail knowing that the permanent residents are behind us.

"We want city councillors to be aware of this opposition and our opinion that their officers' recommendations are wrong.

"This development should take place on brownfield sites within the York city boundary."

Jobs created

The authority has acknowledged the expansion would result in some negative impacts but says they are outweighed by the positive effect it would have on the local economy.

York is one of the smallest universities in England and says it needs to expand to maintain its position as one of the country's most-respected.

The university aims to introduce new courses, including theatre, film and television studies, law and dentistry.

The development would also create 2,000 university jobs and a further 2,500 related jobs across the city.