A HOMELESS hostel could nearly double its capacity if refurbishment work is allowed.

The Howe Hill hostel, in Holgate, York, offers accommodation to 13 households.

But an application to rebuild inside would create 24 self-contained living areas.

Julie Thirlwell, City of York Council's investment and development manager, said: "None of the existing units are self-contained and there have been management difficulties and customer dissatisfaction as kitchen and bathroom facilities have to be shared.

"This scheme presents a unique opportunity to improve the quality of temporary accommodation offered to homeless customers and reduce the need to use bed and breakfast accommodation in the future."

The council has a commitment to cut the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless people because of financial demands and its unsuitability.

It costs the authority more than £180 a week per family.

It is estimated £590,000 would need to be spent on the refurbishment, which would include an extension on the existing building.

Howe Hill was initially used to provide homes for Kosovan refugees who arrived in the city during the war in the Balkans.

After they left, it was used to ease the city's homeless problems which, at the time, had risen by 100 cases in a year.

Ruth Potter, the council's executive member for housing, will be asked to agree to the changes when she meets officers on Wednesday.

She will be told the alternative would be to look for other properties that could offer the same amount of space - which would not be found within the council's budget.

Mrs Thirlwell said: "Howe Hill's location enables customers living there to easily access a range of services on the west of the city, and its private setting helps minimise any concerns from other local residents."

Updated: 11:04 Thursday, September 26, 2002