The large financial services institution has made clear its interest to both site owner UK Coal and Selby District Council, and could submit a planning application for an information distribution centre.

UK Coal spokesman Stuart Oliver said: "This firm is looking to relocate and set up a national network employing up to 200 people, and this is one of the preferred sites being seriously considered."

But campaigners who want the area returned to agricultural use – as stated in the original 1970s planning conditions – remain opposed to the site's development.

Wistow Parish Council clerk Jim Wildash said: "The majority of councillors' and residents' views remain unchanged, and the original decision of the public inquiry and government inspector should be followed.

"This won't benefit the area as the unemployment rate in Wistow and Selby is low, and many units at other redeveloped sites remain empty. The mine was only sited here for technical reasons and because the extraction of coal was in the public interest – a new industrial site wouldn't be."

UK Coal's application to change the planning restrictions was refused in 2005, and a subsequent appeal was withdrawn. It has since asked North Yorkshire County Council to hold off the original requirement while discussions continue.

But Mr Oliver added: "We have to look at the site's potential because we believe it will create employment, as has Gascoigne Wood and other sites, and is sustainable without being an intrusion on nearby residents."