THE sites of York's existing special schools could be sold off for housing developments in a radical scheme that has caused outrage among residents.

The proposal is one of the options to be put to councillors as they debate the future of land at Lidgett Grove, Fulford Cross and Northfield schools.

The sites will become available when the schools close as part of a massive reorganisation of York's special needs education, which will see four schools replaced by two.

The Evening Press previously reported proposals to create a £3 million skills centre at the Fulford Cross site, for youngsters struggling with conventional academic subjects.

It will take in about 100 children and house the city's Pupil Referral Unit - currently based at Oaklands School.

Fulford Cross resident Ann Grainger, said housing there would be terrible.

She said: "The main problem would be the volume of cars - it is a very narrow access road into Fulford Cross."

Peggy Mellers, from nearby Danesmead, said: "If there are alternatives for an educational centre that would be my preference, because it would not alter the nature of the site."

City of York Council's executive member for education, Coun Carol Runciman, said she wanted the Fulford Cross site to remain in educational use.

She said: "I am keen that the Pupil Referral Unit moves to Fulford Cross. It is a good site and it would give it more space."

But a report from Philip Callow, a senior surveyor at the council, says that another option "would be to dispose of all three sites, due to the considerable capital receipts which could be obtained".

The report, to be considered next week, says selling the sites could raise money for the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), which will see the rebuilding of St Barnabas, Hob Moor and St Oswald's primary schools.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, March 08, 2004