BOOTHAM Crescent's future as a housing development will not be devalued if Arc Light brings its new homeless centre to Shipton Street, York City Football Club said today.

Question marks had been raised over the future of the £4.5 million plot of land, which will become a Persimmon housing development when the club moves to a new stadium in the next decade.

But City have now stepped into the debate and argued the area could actually increase in value, because some homeowners in the past may have been put off by the prospect of living next to a football ground.

The Evening Press yesterday revealed how City were backing Arc Light's controversial scheme and would receive use of a new gym and Football In The Community classrooms if the plan to bring a homeless centre to the former Shipton Street School was approved.

Working alongside Arc Light, the football club hopes to have its new study centres and community operation up and running by April 2007.

The club has reassured residents it will still have a presence in the Bootham Crescent area even when it moves to its new ground.

Arc Light wants to construct a 34-bed homeless centre at the former school. The project, which the organisation believes would be one of the best in the country, would provide a one-stop-shop to rehabilitate homeless people back into society.

But campaigners against the development claim Clifton is not the right place for such a project and have demanded the council consult again on the proposal.

Persimmon today said it could soon make its feelings known on the controversial scheme and was monitoring developments.

The company said it was aware of Arc Light's plans and would "submit representation if deemed necessary".

Ian McAndrew, York City stadium development director, said: "York City Football Club does not believe the development will devalue the Bootham Crescent site in any way. You could argue that the area in general will increase in value once the football club relocates to an alternative site within the city in the next eight to nine years."

Ian Hessay, managing director of Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: "We are aware of the proposal. However, at this stage no plans have been submitted and the usual consultation period is in progress. Our consultants are monitoring the situation and will submit representation if deemed necessary."

Updated: 10:47 Friday, August 26, 2005