A CONTENTIOUS plan to build a three-storey block of flats next to the home of a seriously-ill man has been supported by councillors in York.

The proposal to build 18 flats in New Lane, Huntington, was agreed yesterday, despite 22 letters of objection warning of traffic and flooding problems and claiming that the building would be out of character.

The decision was a huge blow to Peter Turner, a disabled man living next to the site, who is recovering from leukaemia.

"I am absolutely amazed, flabbergasted, that the decision has gone through," he said.

"I can't believe that the parish council has so little power to do anything about it."

Development control officer Mick Britton said: "There are 23 conditions attached to the permission, from building materials, landscaping and drainage works, to about 10 highway conditions.

"With regard to Mr Turner, there is consideration of the treatment along his boundary and a substantial brick wall to be built to give him some protection."

Another hot potato issue was eventually resolved yesterday, as the committee decided to allow a sandwich bar to sell jacket potatoes.

The owners of the Big Bite Sandwich Bar in Main Street, Fulford, had their plan agreed by councillors, after a year of debate on the issue.

"The plan was approved subject to environmental matters," said committee vice-chairman Keith Hyman.

"It has now been returned to the officers to have those issues resolved."

Updated: 10:22 Friday, June 13, 2003