A LANDMARK pub has been saved from development for the second time in a year after opposition from York residents.

Plans for the distinctive Gimcrack pub, in Fulford Road, have been withdrawn by Pocklington-based R and S Construction.

It follows claims by local people and the Green Party that the vast majority of Fulford residents wanted to see the site unchanged.

Plans had been submitted to City of York Council to build four flats in the building, and another 20 in newly-built blocks in the grounds.

A City of York Council spokesman confirmed today: "The plans have been withdrawn. We are told it is because of unforeseen circumstances, but no other reason has been given."

Local resident and Green Party campaigner Andy D'Agorne said: "The latest plans appeared to be some improvement on the previous proposal that involved demolition of the original building, but they still meant the loss of the wonderful garden play area in the pub's grounds and the loss of a focal point for the local community.

"Most locals had hoped very much that a new buyer would wish to retain some kind of pub or other public building. However, as people have seen elsewhere in York., the profits to be made from York's housing market is leading to unbalanced over-development in the city and the loss of local facilities.

"This withdrawal is good news as long as something positive can come from it."

His wife, Denise, said: "We are certainly very pleased that it has been withdrawn.

"We, and other residents, really hoped that somebody would come forward to keep the Gimcrack open as a pub and we hope that will happen now."

The Green Party had circulated a newsletter asking local residents their opinions on the plans.

In April, another development company withdrew plans to demolish the building and build flats in its place after a petition signed by 900 residents was handed to the council. Officers reported that there was no justification for pulling down the building.

Although it is not listed, the Gimcrack is in the Fulford Road conservation area, which means special consideration needs to be given before permission is granted to change its appearance.

A spokesman for R and S Construction confirmed that the application had been withdrawn, but was unable to comment further.

Updated: 14:42 Tuesday, September 10, 2002