FEARS about noise from a 24-hour petrol station planned for the centre of York has forced planning officers to attempt to block it.

The station, planned to replace an existing one in Fulford Road, would see jet washers in use round the clock.

Neighbours whose houses are only metres away voiced concern that their quality of life would be ruined.

City of York Council received five letters from residents concerned about more vehicles being attracted to the site, bringing with them noise and health concerns, and about the effect it would have on neighbouring listed buildings.

The council's development control officer, Roger Armistead, said: "The activity of vehicles using jet wash, car wash and vacuum bays is likely to cause nuisance to residents unless this can be contained by restrictive hours of operation, restriction in lighting levels and restriction in noise levels.

"The proposed 24-hour operation of the filling station will harm the living conditions of adjacent residents."

The plans would demolish the existing TotalFina UK station, close to the junction with Alma Terrace, along with workshops and a car showroom.

The current building was already in place in 1975 when the Fulford Road Conservation Area was formed to protect the area including neighbouring buildings which are grade II listed.

Mr Armistead said: "The setting of these properties would be adversely affected by the proposals because of the increased canopy height and, more importantly, the size, scale and visual blocking of the side elevation of 170 Fulford Road by the new sales shop. The views of the elevations would be severely compromised when viewed from the street.

The occupant of number 170, Tower Veterinary Group, said: "The proposed shop building is far too close to our building and far too high.

" The shop is ... only 2.8 metres from the windows and main entrance of the building, with a proposed height of 5.5 metres, which is much higher than the current building."

A spokeswoman for TotalFina UK said nobody from the company would be available to comment.

Council planners will discuss the proposal on Thursday.

Updated: 11:07 Friday, October 11, 2002