PLANS to transform a York hotel into flats look set to be refused.

Officers at City of York Council have recommended turning down the proposal to create 15 two-bedroom flats on the site of the Bedford Hotel, in Bootham, York.

The plans, by Ascot Developments, include converting the Victorian property into six flats and building a three-storey extension housing nine flats and a basement car park. The car park would have space for 15 vehicles.

But the scheme has met with strong opposition.

The council's Conservation Officer described the project as an "over-development of a sensitive plot in a prominent location."

The council's archaeology officer said the site contained important deposits from the Roman period, which would be destroyed if the proposed basement was given the go-ahead.

The Clifton Planning Panel objected to the plans, saying the design and materials were not in keeping with the area, which is a conservation area.

York Conservation Trust, which owns the adjoining Ingram House, described the proposed development as "an eyesore."

It said the development would dominate the garden of Ingram House, destroy an historic walled garden, create extra traffic and intrude on the privacy of neighbours.

The planned three-storey extension would be 29m long and between 10m and 12m in height. According to a council report, it would be approximately treble the size of the existing frontage.

Anthony Slater, development control officer at the council, said the proposal would detract from the appearance of both the site and the street scene.

The plans will be considered by councillors at a meeting of the east area planning and transport sub-committee on Thursday.

Peter Mandy, of Ascot Developments, said the scheme was an attempt to capitalise on York's lucrative housing market. But if the councillors decide to refuse the application, the company plans to continue the current business.

The Bedford Hotel currently has 17 rooms for guests, a lounge and dining area and a bar, which hosts regular jazz events. It employs half-a-dozen staff.

Updated: 08:14 Monday, June 07, 2004