DEVELOPERS have submitted plans to build ten prestigious houses on the site of a recently-closed 82-year-old family business on the outskirts of York.

The closure of Sykes Coaches, on December 20, has caused a major rift within the family which ran the business because one side of the family said they wanted to carry on.

Susan Storm, sister of the Appleton Roebuck firm's most recent boss, John Sykes, has vowed never again to speak to his widow, Margaret, and their two children, Ben and Lynsay.

The Evening Press recently reported that a partnership between the four family members had been dissolved, with Mrs Storm hoping to continuing operating through Just Travel, based at Acaster Airfield, nearby.

But the Sykes Coaches site, in the middle of Appleton Roebuck, has now been acquired by Guildford Construction, which has submitted plans to Selby District Council to build ten luxury houses.

"It has caused a terrible rift in the family," said Mrs Storm, who had a 50 per cent share in the business.

"I will never speak to them ever again for what's happened. It was a viable company and should never have closed.

"They won't even let me use the Sykes name."

But Margaret Sykes told the Evening Press: "I find Susan's comments pathetic because we reached an amicable agreement about closing the business. She is getting a substantial sum from its sale and we've been more than fair.

"Her comments are neither here nor there because it's always been 'us and them' with that side of the family.

"Of course I'm upset that the business has closed, but I'd just had enough.

"I think the development will be good for the area."

Ben and Lynsay Sykes were left the land in Mr Sykes's will.

Ben said: "Both myself and my sister Lynsay did not wish to get involved in running the business due to other work commitments and it was too much for my mother to run on her own. We therefore agreed with Susan to close the business and sell the assets."

John Guildford, manager director of Guildford Construction, said: "Obviously we're pleased to be involved in such a prestigious site.

"Our proposed scheme will add further quality to the village."

Updated: 11:32 Wednesday, January 08, 2003