York City supporters today lodged an objection to plans to build 93 homes at Bootham Crescent.

Members of the club's official supporters' club have joined the growing chorus of disapproving voices opposing Persimmon Homes' application to build on City's historic ground.

Supporters' club chairman Andy Heppell said the organisation had submitted a letter to City of York Council outlining its objections to Persimmon's plans.

He said that at the heart of supporters' concerns was that no planning permission should be given to the developer until a new stadium "is ready to use".

Their objection joins that of the 1,500-member York City Supporters' Trust which, little over a week ago, lodged its own objections to the homes scheme.

The supporters' club, founded 70 years ago, helped York City to move from its Fulfordgate ground to Bootham Crescent in 1932.

The Popular Stand was built and paid for by members and is now regarded as a tribute to the hard work of dedicated fans.

Mr Heppell said: "We are extremely concerned with the current situation. No planning permission should be granted on the site until such a time that a new superior alternative stadium is ready to use."

Persimmon wants to build houses on the highly lucrative land - which has been valued at £4 million - when City leaves Bootham Crescent for a new stadium.

But fans have been concerned by several unclear statements in Persimmon's application including reference to "vacation of the ground at the end of the 2002/03 season".

Earlier this month, the Evening Press revealed that Persimmon had acquired a ten per cent stake in Bootham Crescent Holdings, which owns the ground.

The developer, which now holds 20,000 shares, said that the acquisition was merely a deposit on a conditional contract to buy the ground - subject to planning permission and vacant possession.

The London and the South Branch of the supporters' club is also expected, this week, to join the growing list of objectors and send its own letter to the council.

Mr Heppell added: "We reiterate the appeal made by the Supporters' Trust and urge the people of York to write to the council to support the continuance of football at Bootham Crescent until a better stadium is in place."

Updated: 11:33 Tuesday, October 29, 2002