AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop a former York girls college have been given the green light by City of York Council.

York College For Girls, in Low Petergate, could now be converted and extended into a restaurant, five retail outlets and 17 apartments, after members of the central area planning and transport sub committee approved plans last night.

The scheme had been temporarily halted by the committee, to allow for changes to the design details, after Peter Brown, of York Civic Trust, described the plans as an "Australian-style chalet" and "pseudo-barn conversion".

Members also granted approval for the only doctor's surgery within York's historic city walls to move into new flood risk-free city centre premises.

Jorvik Medical Practice can now move into new premises at Woolpack House, Stonebow, which will mean the eventual closure of Jorvik's Peckitt Street surgery, which was stricken in the 2000 floods.

The new practice will see the surgery's facilities expanded, including the addition of five dormer windows, to the two-storey office building.

Permission was granted, providing that a glass window scaling the front of the building is exchanged for a diffused glass window, to ensure privacy.

The practice intends to make major improvements to its disabled access.

Meanwhile, a city centre drugs resource scheme has been given the go-ahead to move into bigger premises.

The drugs resources service, offered by charity Compass, is geared towards helping people with drug abuse problems.

It will move from its "cramped" Bridge Street property, into the vacant estate agents, across the road, at 6-7 Bridge Street.

The council received ten letters of objection from residents, concerned with problems such as clients' alleged antisocial and threatening behaviour, including loitering, shoplifting, begging, and the property having a detrimental effect on the area.

But letters of support were also received, from organisations involved with drug rehabilitation, praising the beneficial work offered by the scheme for both individuals and the community.

The move was granted on the condition that there will be no posters in windows, and that there will be a proper display.

Updated: 10:40 Friday, June 06, 2003