THE only doctor's surgery within York's historic walls is close to moving to a new, flood risk-free, city centre site.

Jorvik Medical Practice's planning application to move to Woolpack House, in Stonebow, is set to be given the green light by city planners.

An earlier application was deferred after councillors asked the practice to change building materials to fit more closely with buildings near Woolpack House.

A proposed change of materials from "forticrete" to brick has been welcomed by York Civic Trust.

If the application goes through, it will mean the eventual closure of Jorvik's Peckitt Street surgery, which was hit by the 2000 York floods.

The new surgery in Woolpack House would open in April 2004.

Staff at the practice have urged planners to give the application the go-ahead, saying it would benefit more than 9,000 city centre patients.

Practice manager Dana Homer said: "Our current premises are just too small and impractical with poor access and no parking. We desperately need larger, more modern and user-friendly premises. Woolpack House will have a lift and disabled access, as well as more consultancy rooms. At the Peckitt Street surgery, doctors have to share consultancy rooms, which limits the number of appointments we can offer patients. The new medical centre will be better equipped to serve the local community."

The application is due to be discussed at The Guildhall, on Thursday, from 5pm. It has been recommended for approval.

Updated: 09:51 Friday, May 30, 2003