THE York City Supporters' Trust claims it has faced a wall of silence as it seeks clarification from developers over plans to build on Bootham Crescent.

As reported in the Evening Press, Persimmon are planning to build 93 homes on the site, which has been home to York City since 1932.

The Trust is concerned about statements made in the planning application lodged by Persimmon with the City of York Council last month.

There is also concern that the application to build on Bootham Crescent has been lodged even though an application for planning permission to build a new ground for the club has still to be submitted.

It has previously been stated both applications would run in parallel to prevent the club being ousted from Bootham Crescent without a new stadium being in place.

Sophie McGill, of the Trust, said: "We're disappointed that Persimmon and other parties have failed to clarify certain aspects of the application.

"A lack of transparency can breed suspicion and concern within the community.

"The planning process for a new stadium is supposed to be running in parallel. At this stage that does not appear to be happening and this raises a deep concern for many people."

Persimmon today said it had responded to the Trust but insisted a confidentiality agreement prevented the company from divulging any further details.

Ian Hessay, managing director Persimmon Homes (Yorkshire), also insisted the application to build on Bootham Crescent would run alongside the negotiations for a new ground.

He said: "Persimmon Homes (Yorkshire) has responded by letter to the York City Supporters' Trust regarding submission of a planning application for Bootham Crescent.

"However, as the contract entered into is subject to a binding confidentiality agreement, we are unable to make any further comment.

"The application is part of York City's on-going negotiations for a new stadium and the two issues will run in parallel."

Persimmon's application for Bootham Crescent states: "In order to provide certainty that the proposed relocation can be achieved, the football club need to establish that the existing site can be redeveloped for residential purposes, prior to vacation of the ground at the end of the 2002-2003 season."

City chairman John Batchelor has insisted City will not be 'kicked out' of Bootham Crescent and the confusion stems from the fact the club will have to pay a rent to reside at the ground after this season.

The Trust is also concerned over another statement in the planning application that redevelopment of Bootham Crescent 'will enable' the club to move to a new stadium.

The Trust maintains it has also asked Persimmon to clarify how it gaining permission to build on Bootham Crescent will enable the club to play in a new stadium.

The Trust argues the main factors that will determine whether City can move to a new home is funding and having planning permission.

Trust representatives are expected to hold talks about the future of Bootham Crescent with the City of York Council later this month.

McGill said: "Bootham Crescent has been York City's home for 70 years. The Supporters and the community want to ensure that the club continues to have a proper home in the city.

"We cannot just sit and watch what happens."

Last month, Batchelor revealed he wanted to buy Bootham Crescent and give the club 'control over its destiny'.

He said the deal would take Bootham Crescent Holdings - which currently owns the ground - 'out of the equation' leaving the club to negotiate with Persimmon.

Updated: 13:05 Monday, September 16, 2002