NEW proposals to bulldoze an historic York house to make way for modern flats should get the go-ahead, according to city planning officials.

A revised blueprint from Barratt York to convert the former Burton Croft nursing home has been recommended for approval by City of York Council officers.

Councillors will have the final say on the scheme for the Victorian property, the former home of University of York founder John Bowes Morrell.

The proposals to demolish Burton Croft have attracted controversy because of its links with the famous York conservationist.

Barratt's first application for 24 flats on the site in Burton Stone Lane was rejected by councillors last September.

Members ignored officers' advice and said two three-storey blocks of flats would have an adverse impact on neighbouring homes through overdevelopment. They also pointed to the lack of amenity space, and raised concerns over increased traffic levels and the impact on a conservation area.

A public inquiry is due to take place in September, after Barratt York appealed to the Government in an attempt to reverse the decision.

York Civic Trust criticised the homebuilder's blueprint, saying demolition would be a "huge loss".

York Conservation Trust, which wants to buy the building from BUPA, has reapplied to list Burton Croft, this time on historical grounds. If granted, listed building consent would be needed before demolition.

A decision from the Government on the bid is expected "imminently", say council officers, and the trust has called for any planning decision to be deferred until an outcome is reached. A previous listing bid on architectural grounds was rejected.

But now Barratt York has tabled new plans - using a different design and different architects - in an attempt to avoid a costly and time-consuming inquiry.

The construction firm told the Evening Press that the fresh plans, for 22 flats, addressed all the issues raised in the previous refusal. They include a four-floor main block with an adjoining two-storey block.

Council officers, in a report to the planning committee, give this plan the thumbs-up, despite more than 100 letters of objection being received.

Planning officials state that the previous reasons cited for rejection have been overcome.

Extra traffic will not affect neighbours, amenity space is adequate, new plans meet conservation rules and the new design, the report states.

Councillors on City of York Council's planning east area sub-committee will discuss the scheme next Thursday.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, July 01, 2004