IT is one of York's most historic buildings.

Now it could be set to become one of the world's most exclusive addresses.

Developers have tabled ambitious proposals to turn the ancient Lendal Tower in York city centre into a luxurious residential property.

As previously reported in The Press, businessman David Hattersley wants to redevelop the 700-year-old building, on the banks of the River Ouse, converting Lendal Hill House and Whistler House into three apartments.

He has now submitted a planning application to City of York Council, seeking the go-ahead for his proposals.

The plans coincide with a wider redevelopment of the area around Museum Gardens, which include a glamorous restaurant, and a new Esplanade entrance.

Mr Hattersley bought the landmark monument last autumn in a multi-million-pound deal with The Helmsley Group Plc.

He told The Press then: "It's not every day you get to own an historic monument is it? It's a first for me, I must say.

"Still, you never really own a building like this do you? You're just looking after it for future generations. It'll still be here long after I've snuffed it."

Lendal Tower will become one of the world's most exclusive places to stay, boasting unrivalled river views, but city residents will also be given the chance to tour the scheduled ancient monument, with Mr Hattersley saying the whole complex would be opened three days each year to the general public.

He said: "Lendal Tower gives me the shivers in a brilliant way. It's old, mysterious and breathes history.

"I love its walls, its depth, everything about it. It's one of York's finest buildings.

"Now it will be open for people to stay there and we're going to open the whole complex three days every year to the general public with all profits going to English Heritage.

"I want people to be able to go into the tower and experience what I'm lucky enough to be able to see everyday."

Lendal Tower was originally part of York's defences, before - in the 1600s - it became the city's first waterworks, with a horse-powered pump supplying the city via hollowed-out tree trunk pipes.

The water association remained until a few years ago, when The Helmsley Group bought the three-storey tower, its engineering works, the cottages and a walled garden from Yorkshire Water.

Mr Hattersley's planning applications can be viewed at City of York Council's website or at its offices.