A CONTROVERSIAL housing development which caused fury in a York community has been resubmitted to councillors.

A new scheme to convert a derelict Victorian cottage and stable block into six homes at Middlethorpe Manor will be considered by members of City of York Council next week.

In May, the plans for the site at Green Lane, Middlethorpe, were deferred to allow residents to be consulted again. They claimed the proposal would create a traffic nightmare in their narrow street.

They have argued that the six homes would generate a large number of cars in a street which is already busy at peak times.

But, despite their opposition, council officers are recommending the application be approved when it comes before the authority's planning and transport committee on Thursday.

The council has received nine objections concentrating on the density of the development, parking, impact on local businesses and its position in the green belt.

In his report, development control officer Richard Graham writes that the new homes would "enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and would not unduly harm the character or historic importance of the listed building.

"The impact of the proposal on residents would not be significant or outweigh the benefits of the proposal."

Residents, however, disagree. Sue Williams, owner of the nearby Manor Cottage B&B, said the scheme would be "chaos" if approved.

"This street will just not take all of those cars," she said.

"We are talking about at least 12 cars. It is impossible now. We are worried about this development, the tranquility of our area will definitely be lost."

Roger Oxley, who also lives around the corner from the proposed development, said: "What they are doing is creating a mini-estate right in the heart of a historic hamlet.

"This is a greenbelt area and a conservation area and all the residents are unanimously opposed to the scheme, which we believe is completely wrong for this environment."

Mr Oxley said the hotel, Middlethorpe Hall, supported residents' opposition to the development.

"Like us, they realise it will create serious disruption in terms of traffic chaos and construction work. All of us are at a loss to understand why such a large development is being allowed to take place here.

"If planning permission is granted, we will appeal against it," he said.

Updated: 08:45 Friday, December 10, 2004