A FANCY dress shop in York could be turned into an 11-bedroom home for students.

Justin Heaven, who has run Fantasy World in Main Street, Fulford, for the past 16 years, says the company has outgrown its home and has applied to City of York Council to make it a house of multiple occupation.

In a statement to planners, Mr Heaven said he had ruled out leasing the building to another business or turning it into flats or a bed and breakfast, because of parking problems in the area.

He said: “The building would make excellent student accommodation and would not add to the parking issues.

“It is important for me to restore the appearance of the building, making it fit into the conservation area, and as it is being restored, we would be improving the carbon footprint and energy efficiency.

“I’m sure local businesses would not object to the extra income they would receive from more students in Fulford.”

Planners are expected to make a decision next month.