A COMPULSORY purchase order could be slapped on a quiet cul-de-sac which holds a £1 million key to one of York's most controversial housing schemes.

But a representative of residents in Fifth Avenue warned today that they will "fight to the last barricade" against any such order.

A privately-owned stretch of the road in Tang Hall is needed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) to provide one of four crucial access routes into its proposed 540-home model village, Derwenthorpe.

The Evening Press reported last year how 14 households and a school in the cul-de-sac were demanding £1,000,000, equating to about £66,000 each, in compensation for the noise, nuisance and danger which they claim would be caused by opening up the access road. Now a report to City of York Council's executive has revealed that negotiations with residents' agents "have not been able to conclude an agreement between the interested parties".

And the executive is being asked to agree in principle to use compulsory purchase powers in the event that agreement cannot be reached.

The report by principal development officer Derek Gauld says the council had been asked by the foundation to promote such an order.

He said it wanted an inquiry into any objections to be held in June, at the same time as an inquiry is already scheduled into the council's decision to grant planning permission for the Derwenthorpe scheme.

The report states: "Joseph Rowntree Foundation has agreed to fully finance any compensation and inquiry costs, and any application to court which might follow. There will therefore be no financial implications for the council."

He said a further report would come back to members for their approval before any order was presented to the Secretary of State.

Chartered surveyor John Reeves, who represents the residents and St Aelred's School, said today: "When we are informed, we will take any necessary action."

But he also warned: "I am sure my clients will fight to the last barricade before agreeing to any compulsory order."

Mr Reeves said if an order was agreed following an inquiry, the two parties would be encouraged to reach an agre-ement on the value. But if this did not prove possible, an independent inspector would be appointed to determine the figure.

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, February 01, 2006