LOCAL residents are dismayed at the extent of the plans proposed for Connaught Court in Fulford and fear this beautiful area, which forms part of the unique character of the village, is in danger of being destroyed.

The planning application may give the impression the development is for the benefit of elderly people in need of care, but on closer inspection it is clear that not only will the proposed new care home be largely sold off, but virtually all the surrounding land will also be sold to provide another 54 houses and apartments, both two and three storey.

This area of wooded parkland provides magnificent views from all directions including from Fulford Ings and from Main Street where there is an open vista and green corridor right down to the floodplain.

These views would be lost.

The many historic trees within this site serve to enhance the whole area yet we hear two magnificent, healthy-looking copper beech trees are to be felled to make way for a building. Others will certainly follow if this outline permission is granted.

A new access road, proposed into Main Street almost opposite the parish church, would be visually damaging and add significantly to the already severe traffic problems on Fulford Road.

The elderly residents of Connaught Court will lose their quiet and secure grounds and, after suffering at least two years of construction, would finally end up being encircled by a housing estate and apartment blocks with roads, traffic and car-parks etc.

Anyone who who would regret the loss of the grounds of Connaught Court should make their views known to the planning department.

Mary Urmston,

The Coach House,

Fulford Park,

York.

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, September 15, 2004