PLANS to build a care home on a York office park have been given the green light - despite objections to the scheme by local residents.

City Of York councillors have approved Keyland Gregory Limited's application to build a one, two and three-storey, 60-room care home for older people, on the Centurion Office Park, in Tribune Way, Clifton Moor.

Under the scheme, a pedestrian access to the home - which the developers estimate will create more than 60 jobs - will be provided into Hornbeam Close and the housing development to the south of the site.

Local residents had written to City Of York Council about the proposal, and there were concerns surrounding the pedestrian access from the home into Hornbeam Close.

A report by the authority said it had received the following comments: "Visitors and staff may park in nearby streets and use the pedestrian access, this would result in an increase in traffic which would be dangerous, particularly for children. A high usage of the footpath would cause noise and disturbance in this quiet cul-de-sac."

Albert Rowland, who lives on the Woodland Chase Estate, which is next to where the care home will be built, said: "If there's a fire anywhere around the building I'm concerned that the staff might panic and a large number might want to use the rear gate, which will be put on the pedestrian access at the end of Hornbeam Close. I'm concerned they wouldn't be able to get through there easily."

The report said the pedestrian access would allow the residents of the care home to feel like they were a greater part of the community rather than being isolated within a business park.

It said the pedestrian access would not have an adverse impact on the living conditions of local residents. And it said the proposed 17 car parking spaces for the care home were considered sufficient.

Richard Flanagan, of Lawrence Hannah property consultants, said: "We will be putting together a management plan with the residents to see how we can review and monitor the use of the gate and we're prepared to put in whatever measures are required - particularly a secure lock on the gate."

Mr Flanagan said the lock would likely be activated by a numbered keypad, with the code only being released to the appropriate individuals, so the access would not be used as a general thoroughfare.

Responding to Mr Rowland's concern that staff might use the gate in the event of a fire, he said: "The fire inspector will look at this very closely and there shouldn't be a problem.

"The issue will be addressed with the appropriate fire authority."