A FORMER ironmongers in York city centre is set to be transformed into shops and flats.

Planning officers have recommended that councillors approve the application for the former F R Stubbs building at 1-5 Walmgate, despite some objections.

The application includes demolishing part of the Grade II listed building to create a new lift and stair access to the upper floors, which will be converted into two apartments,.

In addition, open land to the rear of the former shop would be used for the construction of a new building, containing seven flats, with basement parking, and a ground floor shop at the corner of Piccadilly and Merchantgate.

The development will also include 13 car park spaces and secure covered parking for nine cycles.

The application has come in for criticism from The Civic Trust and York Georgian Society.

The Civic Trust said it would prefer the site to be undeveloped, but suitably landscaped to reflect the open space within the grounds of the Merchant Adventurers Hall across the river.

It said the architecture proposed was uninspired and bland, and not good enough for this sensitive location close to several historic buildings, and seen in the context of a very good Victorian warehouse.

York Georgian Society said the new building would destroy an urban open space.

The society proposed the open space at the rear be retained and restored and landscaped to complement the garden around the Merchant Adventurers hall, and requested the application be refused in its present state.

Despite the objections, planning officer Jonathan Carr welcomed the development in "an empty corner of the city" and recommended approval.

In a report to the planning committee, he says: "The part demolition of the listed 5 Walmgate is considered to be justified since it appears to be beyond economic repair.

"The new four-storey building on the undeveloped land would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and upon the setting of adjacent listed buildings including the Merchant Adventurers Hall."

The application will be discussed by the planning committee at The Guildhall, on Thursday, from 5pm.

Updated: 09:17 Tuesday, April 01, 2003