PLANS to regenerate a vandal-hit eyesore in the Chapelfields area of York could be triggered this week when councillors discuss the sale of land for new affordable housing and rejuvenated community facilities.

Members of City of York Council's Executive are being asked on Friday to set the ball rolling on the redevelopment plans by agreeing the sale of the Sanderson House site at Bramham Road to Tees Valley Housing Group - using the cash to boost community facilities in the area.

Following a council-run consultation, residents and the Chapelfields Regeneration Forum have already backed Tees Valley's plans to build 12 houses on the Sanderson House site - demolishing the existing buildings to provide ten, three-bedroom homes and a pair of four-bedroom homes.

The housing scheme would be followed by a major investment in new community facilities in the second phase of redevelopment.

The council's executive is being asked to back the two-phase scheme which would see the bulldozing of redundant shops at Sanderson House and their replacement with new homes for rent and then a major consultation over the future of the neighbouring Chapelfields Community Centre.

The £156,000 the council stands to raise from the Sanderson House sale would be pumped back into community facilities - with an overhaul of the community centre or its replacement with a completely new building, among the options.

Councillor Ruth Potter, the council's executive member for housing, said: "We are all committed to regenerating this area and getting rid of this eyesore but it has been important to consult with residents and find out what they want.

"It is heartening that residents of all ages have shown an interest in the regeneration proposals and should share in my delight that a start to the work is now in sight.

"Of course we are also looking at a two-phase scheme and the future of the community centre and development of other community facilities in the area will be the subject of further consultation."

The council has appointed an independent consultant, Phil Bixby, to work with local people to identify their needs for the future of the community centre and the land around it.

A number of ideas have been proposed by residents at recent meetings and these will be considered within the financial constraints of the development.

The ideas include refurbishing the community centre, building a new community house, providing a new shop, building new affordable homes and keeping some open space.

Updated: 15:50 Monday, October 28, 2002