RESIDENTS campaigning to block a development of flats on a York conservation area, have failed to sway councillors considering the proposal.

A petition of 61 signatures did not deter councillors from approving plans to build a block of six flats at 6 St Peter's Grove, Clifton.

The area, east of Clifton Green, is characterised by large Victorian and Edwardian houses with gardens, trees and large spaces in between.

Residents fear the flats will mean the removal of seven trees, smaller spaces between properties, less light, no privacy and increased traffic pollution.

Now they claim City of York Council has not taken their views into consideration.

Resident Guadalupe Thornton said: "I feel very let down by the council. They sent me a report but with three pages missing - they don't seem to send us the information upon which their judgement is based."

Dr Mark Blowers said: "This is a conservation area - we don't want a big block of flats there. I don't think my views have been dealt with properly at all."

Richard Graham, development control officer for City of York Council, said: "We are satisfied that local residents have been properly consulted, and that their concerns were reported accurately and considered fairly by the committee."

Architect David Chapman, said: "I'm very pleased it's been passed. There's always objections to planning applications, but the building is designed to fit into the street scene of St Peter's Grove and our thoughts have been reflected by the officers who recommended it."

Updated: 09:50 Friday, March 28, 2003