CONCERNED residents fear fresh plans to clear a heavily-polluted York gas works for redevelopment could once again put them at risk of being exposed to dangerous chemicals.

Proposals submitted this week could see the unsightly industrial space transformed, with 306 homes and 1,860 square metres of office space.

But the former use of the Heworth Green land has left it badly polluted with dangerous chemicals, including tar, heavy metals, cyanide and volatile organic substances.

Before any work could be allowed to take place on the three-and-a-half hectare site, the ground must be cleared of dangerous substances, possibly by removal of top soil and flushing of lower ground.

Similar remedial work is already taking place at the neighbouring former car park site, where a 148 home development is under way.

At a public meeting residents said they feared the work had exposed them to cancer-causing chemicals.

Alastair Robinson, who lives in nearby Dalguise Street, said he had been forced to sleep in his car in a road lay-by because of the terrible smell created by digging and removal work.

He said he would be representing the views of residents when planners met to discuss the new proposals.

But council officers and Environment Agency watchdogs have insisted that no one has been put at risk by the work. They said provisions were in place to monitor chemicals and prevent spills.

Planning chiefs have recommended that councillors allow the development to go ahead when they meet on Wednesday. The plans will see a landmark gas holder and a 32 metre telecommunications tower on the former Transco site demolished.

Updated: 11:14 Friday, November 19, 2004