PLANS to transform a run-down council depot into housing and to use the proceeds to preserve a York church hall as a community centre are to come before councillors.

City of York Council is proposing to sell the vacant Moss Street Corporation Depot, off Moss Street, to Yorkshire Community Housing, which will build a three-storey block of 22 flats and a two-storey building for nine supported residential units.

Sale of the site will allow the council to purchase and renovate St Clement's Church Hall as a community centre.

Yorkshire Community Housing originally submitted a planning application to turn St Clement's Church Hall into housing, but this was rejected on design and change-of-use grounds.

North Yorkshire Police are supporting the application as a considerable number of incidents reported in the last six months relate to youth nuisance problems in close proximity to the site.

The council has received 34 letters from nearby residents making objections to the proposed development, claiming it would be out of character and would place additional strain on local services.

A number of objectors also claim that the council has no legal right to sell the land for redevelopment because it forms part of Micklegate Stray.

Jonathan Carr, development control officer, has advised councillors that this is inaccurate because Micklegate Stray is not subject to any trust in favour of Freemen, and has urged them to approve the application.

He is also recommending that the developer contributes £13,602 towards education provision and off-site outdoor sports provision.

City of York Council's planning and transport (city centre area) sub-committee will discuss the application on Thursday.

Updated: 10:08 Monday, December 01, 2003