Plans for the construction of nine houses on the site of a petrol station at Fulford, York, have been approved by city councillors, despite residents' concerns over the development.

Members of Fulford Parish Council fear residents will be greatly inconvenienced by the loss of the Main Street petrol station and its small shop.

An original plan, which was for 23 homes, was withdrawn due to concerns expressed by council officials.

"This nine-house scheme is certainly better than the original plan, but it is still very regrettable that we are losing our petrol station," said Steve Kenwright, chairman of the parish council.

"Suddenly, the value of the land is seen to be greater than the worth of a perfectly good going concern. It is a big worry in an area like Fulford, where house prices have been pushed up and over-development is threatening to undermine the character of our village," he said.

However, in approving the scheme yesterday, members of the planning and transport (east area) sub-committee said the revised plans took into account the character of the surrounding area, and even enhanced it.

"I think the design is very, very fitting with the Fulford street scene," said Coun Charles Hall, executive member for commercial services.

Coun Keith Hyman, vice-chairman of the planning and transport (east area) sub committee, said he was delighted with the design.

But Green Party city councillor, Andrew D'Agorne, echoed the residents' concerns, pointing out that the additional car journeys they would now have to make in order to fill up their cars with fuel would increase pollution in the area. "It seems rather short-sighted to remove this facility if we are not providing something in its place," he said.

In a statement to councillors, a spokesman for the applicant said the petrol station was not viable as a business and that it was trading on a rent-free basis to protect the site from vandals.

The approval of the scheme is subject to a Section 106 agreement, which means a number of issues will need further consideration. These include setting the forecourts a short distance back from the road and installing water butts to help drainage.

Updated: 14:11 Friday, September 10, 2004