A CONTROVERSIAL plan to create student housing on the site of a former city bus station looks set to get the go-ahead.

York St John University College is bidding to house hundreds of students in flats ear-marked to get the go-ahead, despite opposition from residents.

An application to demolish the old Pullman Bus Depot in Navigation Road, and replace it with student housing has been recommended for approval by City of York Council planners.

St John University College is currently in talks with S Harrison Developments Ltd, of Malton, which wants to build accommodation for 231 students.

Residents have voiced objections to the proposals, claiming the area's "sedate lifestyle" is inconsistent with student life. Concerns have also been raised over availability of parking, loss of light and the fact that the site is in a conservation area.

St John has in the region of 6,000 full and part-time students from across the UK, and their director of facilities, Colin Parkin, stressed

students are a vital part of the city's economy and add vibrancy. Almost half of the students currently studying at St John University College are classed as mature students - aged 21 or over.

Mr Parkin said: "Our recruitment, underpinned by our national reputation as a highly successful higher education provider and our multi-million programme of investment since 2000, continues to go from strength to strength. As a consequence, the proposed residential development is well located and aligned to our 2006 to 2010 supply and demand forecast."

The Press reported last week that Navigation Road resident Edna Sayers, 62, has chronic pulmonary disease and uses a wheelchair to get around. She has lived in the road for 12 years and is strongly opposed to the development.

She said: "I really hope the councillors don't pass this as there are a lot of old aged pensioners and people with disabilities around here, and students with their loud music and drinking is the last thing we want."

Fellow objectors John and Barbara Pettitt, have lived at Rosemary Place for 15 years.

Mr Pettitt said: "We have enough trouble in Walmgate as it is, with people breaking windows and generally making a mess. It looks like this could get the go-ahead, but I think it will totally ruin the quite atmosphere around here."

Harrison's Charles Vyvyan said: "Replacing an old bus depot with good well-located student accommodation makes excellent sense, and being so close to the main York St John University campus means that it will not bring with it any traffic or transport problems.

"If planners give us the go-ahead, we hope to partner with the college who will manage the complex once it is built. We plan to complete the accommodation in time for the 2008 academic year."

The council's planning committee will meet tomorrow in the Guildhall to discuss the application.

Updated: 10:05 Wednesday, April 26, 2006