A DISABLED York man recovering from leukaemia says he does not know whether he can bear to stay in his home if plans to build a three-storey block of flats next to it go ahead.

Peter Turner, 64, from Huntington, believes his standard of living will deteriorate if 18 proposed two-bedroom flats are built by Woodgreen Developments in New Lane. Mr Turner, who became disabled following a brain tumour, has also suffered from leukaemia and a number of other illnesses.

He now lives in a downstairs extension in his home, but if the flats are built a road will be constructed next to it.

He said: "We knew some day there would be some sort of building, but we thought it would be houses. This will stick out like a sore thumb.

"If it was two storeys it would not be that bad, but three storeys is outrageous

"It is like putting York Minster next to us. We will have no privacy, they will be staring down on us.

"I am not a fit person and I need a lot of rest. The last thing I need is this."

Huntington Parish Council has also objected on the grounds the building is too high and will aggravate traffic problems. It claims the flats will dominate the surrounding area, which is predominantly two-storey buildings and bungalows.

It is also concerned that the amount of parking is inadequate and could lead to overflow parking on nearby roads.

The chairman, Coun Peter Vaughan, said: "In the design submitted there are no garages so it will be open parking, which will be a crime risk."

A further 22 letters have been received from local residents who say the development would be out of character and would exacerbate traffic and flooding problems.

The application was being discussed at a City of York Council meeting today.

Updated: 09:15 Thursday, June 12, 2003