YORK homes which were hit by a gas explosion are to be sold off by housing chiefs.

City of York Council's advisory panel for housing has agreed plans to sell four flats in Horsman Avenue, off Cemetery Road, to a social housing landlord to build family homes.

The decision was endorsed by the council's executive member for housing, Coun Sue Sunderland.

"I welcome and accept this recommendation," she said.

"This plan makes considerable sense as a way of resolving the problem of how to deal with these flats," said panel chairman David Livesley. The flats and land at 3-9 Horsman Avenue have been empty since a gas explosion caused serious damage last August.

A structural survey found all four homes would require major rebuilding and refurbishment before they could be re-let by the council.

Councillors decided to sell off the land to a registered social landlord who would demolish and rebuild the homes on the site.

This option means the council will receive £40,000 for the site, and will be given the assurance that family-sized homes would be built on it, for use as affordable housing. Opposition spokeswoman for housing, Coun Ruth Potter, said: "I would like to support the plan, and would just like to ask if we can maximise the number of homes built on the site. It will be of most benefit, particularly if we can make three family homes on the site."

Green Party Fishergate ward councillor Andrew D'Agorne said: "I would like to express my support for the plans, and to request some urgency to get something done. At the moment it is an eyesore which does detract from the area."

Updated: 12:53 Tuesday, July 08, 2003