THE site of a former York working men's club - branded an eyesore by local residents - could soon be redeveloped if plans to build 28 flats are given the go-ahead.

Planning applications have been submitted to City of York Council to demolish the former Irish National League (INL) Club in Speculation Street, off Walmgate, and to build 28 one and two-bedroom flats, together with six parking spaces and 28 cycle spaces.

A third application seeks to change the use of the building to allow for temporary storage and to build a 1.2 metre-high perimeter fence.

All the applications, which come before the Planning and Transport (city centre area) Sub Committee on Thursday, have been recommended for approval by council officers.

In a move designed to ensure adequate affordable housing in the city, developer Kevin Mohan is being asked to pay £225,000 towards an affordable housing development, because it would be unsuitable to build the affordable housing on the INL site.

A report to the committee states: "Because the scheme will provide 28 flats an affordable housing contribution is required.

"This would normally be, under current policies, the provision of 25 per cent of the units 'pepper potted' around the site.

"In this case a request is being made to accept a commuted sum rather than on-site provision of affordable units. The reason given is that this area already contains a high proportion of affordable housing.

"Alternatively, there are other sites of greater need, in particular a site identified in Horsman Avenue. The commuted sum being sought by Housing Services is £225,000, which it is understood the developer has agreed to pay."

Last week angry residents criticised Mr Mohan for allowing the site to become strewn with litter and overgrown with weeds, creating an "eyesore" close to their homes in Huby Court since it was boarded up almost two years ago.

But David Johnson, of planning consultants O'Neill Associates, who is acting as Mr Mohan's agent, said these applications aimed to remedy those problems as soon as possible.

According to the report the planned scheme will upgrade and visually "give a lift" to this city centre residential area.

"It represents a high-quality architectural design, providing much needed inner city homes," it adds.

Updated: 08:45 Tuesday, July 01, 2003