IT was once a venue where clubbers danced the night away.

Now the former Ikon and Diva nightclub is more likely to become known for couples picking up a new sink or a new sofa rather than a pint of lager.

York council chiefs are set to approve a planning application allowing the nightclub to be transformed into a "retail bulky goods" store.

If the scheme is given the green light, it's likely the club, on Stirling Road, at Clifton Moor, could become a DIY or furniture store.

A report to City of York Council's planning committee concludes there is a proven need for the development, which will not harm the "vitality and viability" of the city centre.

The study, written by development control officer Darren Hendley, recommends giving the scheme the go-ahead, but with a raft of conditions.

The new developer will have to ensure they do not sell goods including clothing and footwear, toys, DVDs, TV or electrical equipment, as well as watches, jewellery and books.

The report says the reason is to "minimise the impact of comparison goods sold at these stores competing with York city centre retail outlets selling the same goods".

Concerns have been raised by ward councillors in Micklegate - Labour leader Dave Merrett, David Evans and Sandy Fraser - who have asked "whether the applicants have actually demonstrated there was, or is, an inadequate demand for the Ikon and Diva clubs, and whether the site has been marketed as a club/leisure facility at a realistic price".

Clifton Without Parish Council did not object to the plan, but Rufforth Parish Council felt car parking spaces on the site were inadequate, there was concerns over traffic as the "site entrance is on a bend, raising serious highways safety concerns", and the land is in the green belt.

Mr Hendley concludes the application, which will be considered on January 26, to be acceptable, with alternative sites, such as that off Foss Islands Road, unlikely to be ready for some time.

Updated: 10:18 Friday, January 20, 2006