RESIDENTS in a North Yorkshire town are mobilising themselves for a campaign against a proposal for an apartment block near their homes.

Plans have been handed in to Selby District Council to build 14 flats on the site of a former garage and shop in Sherburn-in-Elmet.

But people living nearby are furious about the proposals, saying the development in Low Street would cause traffic chaos and drainage problems as well as cutting off their light and contribute to what they believe is the over-development of the town.

Alan Temprell, of Bramble Court, is writing to local councillors and MPs and canvassing support from neighbours after learning about the scheme.

He said: "We are at a loss about how a planning application like this can even get to this stage. It beggars belief. We believe there will be a minimum of two cars per apartment, which will make the traffic issue in the area a nightmare. It would mean Low Street becoming one-way and restrict access to houses nearby - and then there are the massive concerns over light and drainage.

"We have nothing against this site being built, but it is not the right scheme and we feel it's time to start being sensible. My neighbours and I believe we need support to stop this in what has become a massively over-developed area."

The agents for the applicants in this scheme, who are based in Wakefield, were not available for comment when The Press contacted them.

Selby District Council would not comment on the scheme other than to say that a proposal had been submitted for outline planning permission for 14 apartments, in two two-and-a-half storey blocks.

A decision on the plans is set to be made by the council's planning committee in April.