MORE than a dozen tenants at a block of flats in York have been left stunned by proposals to demolish their homes.

Residents at Poppleton Gate House, in Millgates, have been informed the York Housing Association (YHA) wants to knock down the building and replace it with new flats.

But the proposals, if approved by City of York Council, will mean the 14 current tenants will have to move into alternative accommodation.

The association has teamed up with developer Country and Metropolitan Homes Northern Ltd to look at providing "high-quality modern flats" on the site of the property, which was once owned by clothing magnate Montague Burton.

A letter written by John Gilham, development director for York Housing Association, tells tenants: "We hope to provide replacement, high- quality modern flats on the site, including 13 flats at affordable rents.

"Country and Metropolitan will shortly be making a planning application to City of York Council for the redevelopment of the site.

"Redevelopment will involve the demolition of the existing building, in order that the new flats can be built in its place. We will, of course, be taking into account your rights and housing needs, and if the planning application is successful, we shall need to meet with each tenant individually, to work with you to arrange alternative accommodation."

Tenant Ian Wilson, who has lived at Poppleton Gate House for six years, said he was very concerned about what was going to happen to him and his family if the plans were pushed through.

"We don't want to be pushed out like this," he said. "We must contest the application. It's true that the house is in a state of disrepair but it is still a beautiful building."

Mr Wilson said he had been in contact with other residents to see what could be done to help save the flats.

On Saturday, the Evening Press reported how more than 1,000 new flats were in the pipeline for York.

Christine Storrs, chief executive of the YHA, said: "We are exploring the possibilities of replacing our properties at Poppleton Gate House with new high-quality modern flats, and have been in discussion with City of York Council in respect of this, but there are no definite plans at this stage.

"We have written to all tenants living at this scheme and will keep them informed when there is further progress to report. Anyone who has any concerns should phone our office on 01904 636061."

Updated: 10:17 Monday, November 15, 2004