DOZENS of car parking spaces could be lost, under a proposal to replace facilities for coaches visiting York city centre.

Council officers are to carry out a review of pick-up, drop-off and parking spots, following the loss of the Kent Street coach park behind The Barbican Centre.

They will also investigate whether the development of the Arclight Centre at Union Terrace will impact upon parking in the city centre.

Kent Street accommodates 27 vehicles, but is being lost due to the redevelopment of the Barbican.

A feasibility report will begin on April 1 to see whether part of St George's Field car park can be converted into a 27-space coach facility.

The site is already used for coaches during special events, and is said to be popular with drivers and visitors.

City of York Council officers are also to look at providing additional coach parking at locations outside the city centre, including Knavesmire Road, Monk's Cross and the former Reynard's Garage site in Piccadilly as possible pick-up and drop-off locations.

A council document outlining the need for the report stated: "Around 320,000 visitors come to York by coach each year, contributing approximately £25 million to its economy. This is an expanding market."

The council currently provides 61 coach spaces, and the report added: "The loss of coach parking at Kent Street will result in an under-provision of coach parking in the city centre, as the 34 spaces at Union Terrace can only accommodate demand on 60 per cent of days.

"Therefore, other coach parking provision will be required in the city centre to replace the loss of the Kent Street coach park."

The council document said an action plan would be needed to investigate other sites, to accommodate the displaced car parking from St George's Field.