CAMPAIGNERS who failed to stop an application to build 59 flats on their doorstep say they are "disgusted" at revised plans to increase the size of the development.

Residents, in Holgate, York, fought desperately to block the original Barratt Homes scheme at the former Shelley House site, in Acomb Road, out of fear the local community could not cope with such an influx of people.

They were worried about possible traffic congestion along Moorgate and Hobgate because of too few parking spaces on the site.

But now Barratt Homes, which got approval for its scheme in December, 2002, has submitted a revised application to create an additional eight flats.

"I'm very shocked about this," said residents' spokesman Don Parlabean, from St Swithin's Walk.

"The whole reason we were against it in the first place was because it was too big. There will be strong opposition to the plans."

Resident Eric Deighton said: "The planning rules are wrong, this should not be allowed.

"Local people are being ignored."

Former Holgate councillor Liz Edge campaigned to have the original application blocked.

"I'm disgusted," she said.

"The density of the original plans was major issue prior to them being approved, but now they want to build even more.

"It would distort the entire character of the area."

Cliff Caruthers, City of York Council's head of development control, said Barratt proposed to reduce the size of units on the front block and make minor changes to its size, to squeeze more flats in.

"The applicant is well within its rights to put in a revised application," he said.

"We will need to look at its impact on parking, landscaping and neighbouring residents.

"We will consider it like we consider any other application."

Nobody was available to comment for Barratt Homes.

Updated: 10:42 Tuesday, July 22, 2003