A York pub could be knocked down to make way for a drive-through McDonalds.

A Choices video store could also help to replace the Frog Hall Inn in Layerthorpe.

Sheffield-based developers Dransfield Properties Ltd have submitted plans to City of York Council to regenerate the former British Gas site next to the Frog Hall.

The old gasworks would form the main area of the 23,500 square foot retail area, compromising the McDonalds restaurant and two non-food retail units, with associated parking.

City council planning officer Mick Britton said he believed one of the proposed shops may be an office equipment-stationery outlet.

The licensee of the Frog Hall was away on holiday when the Evening Press contacted the pub.

But a spokeswoman for its owners, Enterprise Inns plc, said: "We are in the process of selling that pub."

She added they did not intend demolishing the pub, but did not know what the prospective new owners planned for it. She confirmed they were in the process of selling it to Dransfield Properties Ltd.

The would-be developers said that in addition to bringing a new retail development to a brownfield site in the area and regenerating the former gasworks, the scheme also included an attractive riverside walkway, and improving and enhancing the local environment.

They added that if approved the project would also incorporate part of the Heworth Green-James Street link road and allow this part of it to be built.

A signalled junction would also be provided in Layerthorpe and cycleways extended beyond the site.

Dransfield Properties Ltd director Philip Wilson said it had considerable experience in developing brownfield sites and regenerating derelict land.

"A thorough and detailed site investigation has been undertaken over several months and the site will be remediated before construction of the new retail units commences.

"We have worked on similar projects involving former industrial sites across Yorkshire and Lancashire which have proved very successful.

"We think this new proposal for Layerthorpe is a great opportunity to breathe some new life into the area and give a boost to the economy in this part of the city."