A GOVERNMENT minister has been asked to intervene to stop the multi-million pound redevelopment of Lancaster University's Bailrigg campus.

The privately financed £120 million deal was given planning permission by the city council this week but the Greens have made a direct appeal to the Secretary of State, John Prescott, and asked him to call a stop to the scheme.

The Greens argue that newly introduced planning policy means that the Secretary of State has to make the final decision in green field developments over five hectares.

Green Party Cllr Jon Barry explained: "The planning decision flies in the face of all new planning guidance on green field sites.

The University has made absolutely no attempt to look at alternative brown field sites in the city and is therefore operating totally against government policy."

He added: "The University's plans are bad news for students who are not from wealthy backgrounds.

The University will be locked into a 30 year private finance deal with the developers, Jarvis.

Rents will be totally under the control of Jarvis.

I understand they will start at well over £60 per week.

Only students who can afford these rents will benefit from the new accommodation."

Jarvis, the development company, hope to earn about £12 million a year from student rents.