CONTROVERSIAL plans to build hundreds of students' flats in a residential area have been given the go-ahead.

An application to demolish the old Pullman Bus Depot, in Navigation Road, and replace it with student housing has been approved by City of York councillors.

St John University College is currently in talks with S Harrison Developments Ltd, of Malton, which wants to build accommodation for 231 students.

Residents who voiced objections to the proposals, said they felt their opposition had been a "complete waste of time".

Edna Sayers, 62, pictured, suffers from chronic pulmonary disease and uses a wheelchair to get around. She has lived in the road for 12 years and is strongly opposed to the development.

She said: "I'm not very happy it's been passed to say the least.

"The last thing we need around here is a lot of drunken students carrying on. It makes me very sad to think we lost the fight."

Fellow objectors John and Barbara Pettitt have lived at Rosemary Place, off Navigation Road, for 15 years.

Mrs Pettitt said: "I feel like I have wasted all that time and energy for nothing.

"We were concerned that the peace and quiet would be shattered round here."

The council's planning committee passed the application by nine votes to three.

Chris Hale of Harrison Developments, said: "We are delighted that councillors have given their support to the development.

"We were asked some very detailed questions by the planning committee who were confident that their issues had been addressed.

"Working closely with the council's planning team has been very beneficial and will result in attractive, well-designed accommodation for York.

"We have a strong reputation in York for delivering high-quality developments and always work responsibly as a considerate long-term neighbour."

St John University College has in the region of 6,000 full- and part-time students from across the UK.

Colin Parking, the college's director of facilities, stressed that students were a vital part of the city's economy.

Almost half of the students currently studying at the college are classed as mature students - aged 21 or over.

Mr Parkin said: "Our recruitment, underpinned by our national reputation as a highly-successful higher education provider and our multi-million programme of investment since 2000, continues to go from strength to strength.

"As a consequence, the proposed residential development is well located and aligned to our 2006 to 2010 supply and demand forecast."

Harrison expects construction work to start on site later this year.

Updated: 09:29 Tuesday, May 02, 2006