A NEW office complex which would have brought up to 150 jobs to York is set to be thrown out by city councillors.

As previously reported in The Press, developers want to build two blocks in Tanners Moat, beside the Maltings pub.

The proposal was welcomed by business leader Len Cruddas but council officers have advised a planning committee to reject it when they meet next week.

They said the development would be out of keeping with the character of the area - despite the applicant showing that one of the two sites had previously housed a multi-storey building.

They also voiced concern that it would spoil views of an historic church - and the 1960s Norwich Union building.

The officers' report to councillors said: "It is recognised that a tall building existed on this site in the past. However the upper storeys were demolished in the 1960s, since when a new urban form has developed with the taller buildings on Rougier Street. Adding to this complex of taller buildings to the detriment of the appearance and setting of adjacent historic buildings and views from the bridge and walls is not considered to be appropriate."

Mr Cruddas, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "I am disappointed, because there is a need for more high-quality office accommodation in the city centre, because of the growth of York's professional services sector.

"I hope that the developers are able to satisfy the requirements of the planners and re-submit a successful plan."

The applicant wanted to build one six-storey block adjoining Blackfriars House, and one three-storey block.

But conservationists had raised concerns.

On the three-storey site, York Civic Trust wrote: "The proposed building is considered to be very poor quality in design terms, and totally unworthy of this prominent position overlooked by the approach to Lendal Bridge and clearly visible from the city walls.

"No small alterations to this building could convert it into a building suitable for this location."

English Heritage said the three-storey building was too tall, and said more work was needed to assess the impact the taller structure would have on the area.

The officers' report concluded: "The proposed buildings are considered to harm the character and appearance of the conservation area."

It also said the application lacked adequate archaeological information and flood risk details.