I READ with interest the Evening Press article 'Flats scheme axed by trees' (September 10).

The reason? Because the planning application, as board members of the Abbeyfield (York) Society well know, is totally opposed by the elderly and frail residents of Abbeyfield House itself - aged between 87 and 94 - and many others in the local community.

The plans submitted with the application, to "construct 22 flats providing support for frail and elderly people", show a huge proposed development of interconnecting corridors, a meeting room and extension of the existing Abbeyfield House plus 21 extra car parking spaces.

A three storey set of flats, 12 metres high can hardly be used by the "frail and elderly".

The flats are below the threshold for provision of any affordable units - yet Abbeyfield York Society is a registered social landlord and will be very aware of the need for affordable homes to meet housing needs.

The plans fail to clearly show the proximity, and in some cases, existence, of long-standing residential properties in the vicinity and several trees with preservation orders.

The society did not inform local residents of the proposed development, and we know nothing of a proposed "six-year development plan".

It appears that developers in York can do what they like, when they like, with the assistance of the local planning department, and the apathy of local councillors.

Valid objections on planning grounds, and the views and well-being of local residents - in this case the residents of Abbeyfield House - are treated with contempt.

Patricia Hawkins,

Kensington Court,

Dringhouses,

York.

Updated: 10:04 Thursday, September 16, 2004