A FAMOUS name from York's shopping history could live on in the latest addition to the city's growing culinary quarter.

Councillors last night gave the go-ahead for plans to transform the FR Stubbs building in Walmgate to a restaurant and flats.

But planning chiefs said they hoped the prominent listed red-brick building, also known as Foss Bridge House, would retain a link with its past.

Planning officer Roger Pierce said he hoped any new restaurant would keep the Stubbs name, as well as the landmark black and white painted poster on the side of the building.

He said: "The painting is part of the listed building, and any work to remove it would require consent, which I hope would not be granted."

He said that a new application was received by City of York Council yesterday to transform a derelict car park at the rear of the property to shopping space.

Civic leaders welcomed the proposed restaurant use because it would give members of the public access to the historic interior of the building, which includes purpose-built shop counters and an attractive stairwell.

The new application means that the basement, ground and first-floor can be used to serve food, while the remaining two floors could be sub-divided into two flats on each level.

Councillor Ruth Potter said the plans were a "welcome change around" and she was "more than happy" to support them.

The Walmgate and Fossgate area has seen a marked growth in the number of restaurants and eateries being opened there.

Updated: 10:17 Friday, July 02, 2004