THE people of York have given rave reviews for the proposed £100 million Hungate re-development scheme.

Of the 2,000 individuals who visited a recent public exhibition on the project, about 570 filled in cards giving their views to City of York Council - whose planners have to decide whether or not to grant outline planning consent.

Of the respondents, more than 450 were in favour of the project to build 720 homes on ten acres of land between Stonebow and the River Foss.

Fewer than 30 were opposed, with another 70 or so undecided.

Comments in favour included:

"Should be a great improvement of the area ... I only hope I will live long enough to see it completed" - Bert Denton, Upper Poppleton.

"The proposals for Hungate are exciting, interesting and a must for the city of York... do not say no to this" - Jean Boggan, Heworth.

"The area has been an eyesore as long as I can remember ... it will be a great improvement" - Josephine Quin, Haxby.

"Excellent plans ... until a year ago, I lived in Rowntree Wharf, and thought the area was a waste and an eyesore" - Rob Goodman, Clifton Moor.

Some of those in favour still had some reservations, however, for example about the height of the buildings, which in a couple of instances reach up to seven storeys high.

Kate Allott, of York, said: "Terrific scheme, but five storeys would be better than seven."

Sheila Campbell, of The Groves, said: "A great improvement on what Hungate is now. Only anxiety is with some of the heights - but these are not too bad, on reflection."

Some wanted the scheme extended to include eye-sore buildings in Stonebow. Brenda Batty, of Heworth, liked the scheme, but pleaded: "Please knock down Stonebow House. It's a blot on the landscape."

A significant number stressed the importance of ensuring that at least 25 per cent of the homes would be affordable housing for local people.

Of those opposed to the scheme, comments included:

"I think that many of the new buildings are too high" - Jane Jackson, of York, who believed something more on the lines of Aldwark should be built.

"The scale of the buildings is more suited to cities like Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool" - Patricia Dixon, Askham Bryan.

"The height of buildings fronting the River Foss is too high by at least two storeys" - D Slater, York.

The council is currently assessing the response to the scheme from individuals and various organisations before deciding on the application later this year.

Updated: 09:43 Friday, February 07, 2003