YORK residents have voiced their approval of the proposed £100 million Hungate development.

A steady stream of people poured into an exhibition of the plans at the former bed warehouse in Garden Place, off Stonebow. They fired questions at architects David Harrison and Fabarizio Santarossa after viewing a scale model, which shows the proposals to build 700 new homes on the ten-acre site.

Questionnaires were provided for residents to register their views on the scheme.

Phillip Fowler, of Woodthorpe, said: "Anything has got to be an improvement from the pit that has been there all my life. It's just a pity it has taken them 70 years to do something about it."

Ruth Wall, of Huntington, said: "It is an exciting project. The plans look very imaginative and I am looking forward to seeing how they will marry the old and the new buildings together."

However, there were concerns about the height of the buildings - some of which reach seven storeys. Dr Rob Cubitt, who lives in York city centre, said: "I own a flat in Rowntree Wharf with views over the Minster and I don't want the new buildings to overshadow them."

David Richardson and his wife, Barbara, of Osbaldwick, said that they were worried that the plans would disturb the York skyline.

Mr Richardson said: "I am concerned about it being high-rise, but I don't think it's going to offend too many people."

Visitors praised the proposal to build cheap housing for people who cannot afford to buy property in York. About a quarter of the 700 homes will be affordable housing. Margaret Garner, of Tadcaster Road, York, said: "The younger people are having such a struggle to get into property, so I am pleased about the advantage of affordable housing."

Dr Cubitt said: "Hungate should add value to the overall area and provide lots of work opportunities. I'm very interested in what's going to happen there."

The exhibition is open each day from 10am to 4pm until January 21, although it will stay open until 7pm tonight and next Thursday.

Updated: 09:48 Thursday, January 09, 2003