ASTROLOGER Jonathan Cainer and paranormalist Uri Geller have suffered a setback in their plans to open a museum in York.

City of York Councillors last night refused to allow Mr Cainer to install outside air-conditioning units on the second floor balcony of his shop in Stonegate, despite his efforts to camouflage them.

The air-conditioning is part of plans to create the Museum of Psychic Experience, which is due to be opened to school parties later this year and to the public next spring.

However, Chris Newsome, development control officer at the council, said: "It's a Grade II* listed building, a very decorative, very beautiful building and we think the units would simply degrade the charm of that building."

Mr Cainer told the planning and transport (city centre area) sub-committee that the building and the street were very important to him, and he wanted to protect them.

But he said he did not feel that the units would in any way destroy the special charm of Stonegate.

He said: "In the report there's mention of alien mechanical devices. I've counted 11 alien mechanical devices in Stonegate which, when we are open to the public, people will be able to see.

"These 21st century intrusions are already pretty widespread. But what we've found is that people do not look up in Stonegate. I could stand there naked jumping up and down and people would not notice me."

Councillor Janet Looker said: "So many shops, if you look up you can still see how nice they looks, but from the ground floor it is depressing.

"Stonegate is so special because all the buildings have got that whole complete look."

Councillor Brian Watson attended a site visit and saw the units temporarily in place. He said: "I was gobsmacked because you saw this thing staring you in the face. It just destroyed the whole aspect of it all together."

The committee refused the application, but approved a listed building consent application from Mr Cainer to carry out internal alterations and foundation underpinning once the air-conditioning element was withdrawn.

After the meeting Mr Cainer said: "I respect and accept their recommendations that we find an alternative. If we can we will, if we can't we will appeal.

"This probably will delay us but it won't beat us, sooner or later we'll open this place."

Updated: 10:12 Friday, July 04, 2003