RESIDENTS have voiced their protests about a massive flats development planned for the heart of York.

Members of opposition group, Friends of Bishophill, descended on the City of York Council's planning committee site visit at the NCP car park in Skeldergate, to put across their views.

Council officers are recommending approval for the Bryant Homes application to build 145 flats with parking for 92 cars at the site - but local people complain it would be too big, and alien to the area.

Group organiser Kevin Molloy, a resident of nearby Buckingham Street, said the building would "dwarf" their homes.

"It would be an appalling development," he said.

"It's completely insensitive to the area.

"Where are the cars going to go when the car park goes? People have to park somewhere.

"The five-storey building will cast a shadow over all our properties."

Mr Molloy showed councillors the view from his home to illustrate the possible effect of the development.

Bishophill ward councillor David Evans said: "I'm in favour of redeveloping the site, but it has got to be in keeping with this part of York.

"A five-storey building is too much. There's a lot of very strong feeling among residents."

Pensioner Molly Nesbitt, who lives in Buckingham Street, said: "I think a lot of people round here feel like I do - the development is entirely out of keeping with the area.

"Surely the fact it's a conservation area makes a difference."

Concerns were also raised about the effect of the work on foundations in Buckingham Street and difficulties of access to the flats if Skeldergate was flooded by the River Ouse in the future.

A report to tomorrow's planning committee meeting says that an original proposal for 156 flats had been reduced to 145, following discussions.

The report said dozens of letters of objection had been received from residents and businesses, but the revised plans were now "acceptable in planning terms".

Updated: 11:57 Wednesday, March 27, 2002