THE leader of City of York Council has blasted a construction firm for what he called its "abysmal" handling of plans for an eyesore in Clifton.

Councillor Rod Hills said Malton-based developers S Harrison had acted "in bad faith" by submitting a planning application for the former site of the Imperial Hotel, in Crichton Avenue.

But the firm says it is acting in what it believes to be the best interests of the Clifton community.

The row follows years of complaints that the site has become a magnet for nuisance youths since the pub's demolition in the early 1990s.

Clifton residents were last month asked what they would like to see built on the land in a major public consultation, involving Harrisons, the council, and the Tees Valley Housing Association.

The results favoured affordable housing, but, since the consultation, Harrisons has submitted a planning application to build 36 flats on the land.

This has infuriated residents, who are strongly opposed to the idea of flats.

Mr Hills gave his backing to the residents at a meeting arranged by Clifton resident Cath Ward.

He told the Evening Press: "There was widespread concern about what would be built there. The general view was that they wanted affordable housing, not flats, and I think they are entirely right. Then, without any consultation, Harrison bunged in a planning application to build the 36 flats. I think they have behaved abysmally and in bad faith. Why take part in a consultation if you are going to go behind everyone's back?"

Ms Ward said: "He (Coun Hills) said he is all for us so we are pleased about that.

"We just don't want those flats and we will keep campaigning against them as long as we have to."

But Harrison associate director Ian McAndrew said the company's impression from public consultation was an "overriding priority" to see something happening as soon as possible.

Submitting an early planning application was a way of assisting in that process, he said, and Harrison was prepared to be flexible over what is built on the site. He also said the company would have been happy to attend the meeting, but that members of staff were unaware of it taking place.

Mr McAndrew said: "The application demonstrates our commitment to the development of this site.

"It also brings our proposals into the domain of the planning authority where discussions as to the size, type and style of buildings, as well as other related issues, involving all parties concerned, can begin."

A council spokesman confirmed Harrison's planning application had been received, and would be discussed at a meeting next month.

Updated: 10:11 Monday, October 08, 2001