RETAIL giant Debenhams is planning to open a massive new store on the outskirts of York.

The company wants to move into part of the current PC World store at Monks Cross, with the computer firm aiming to relocate to Clifton Moor.

If it gets the go-ahead, the new superstore will operate in addition to Debenhams's store in Davygate, but planning approval will rely on councillors overturning a 13-year-old restriction, imposed when Monks Cross was first built.

The rule dictates what type of goods can be sold in stores of a certain size. Shops with a sales area exceeding 15,000 square feet are not allowed to sell clothing, footwear, fashion accessories, watches and jewellery, music and video recordings or equipment, or photographic equipment.

Debenhams's application argues that they would be allowed to operate from two small stores next to one another, so should be granted an exception to open one large store.

Their plan is to have 31,000 square feet of retail area, including a newly-added mezzanine floor.

Earlier this year, the firm looked set to abandon York city centre, when they applied to divide the Davygate premises into four smaller units.

But a supporting statement with their latest plans says they remain hopeful of finding a place in a new Coppergate II scheme, and are committed to Davygate in the meantime.

The statement said: "Debenhams are seeking to improve their retail offer in York. The proposed store at Monks Cross Shopping Park will compliment and operate in addition to their department store in the city centre.

"Debenhams's representation in York city centre is sub-standard, and the sales area of the store is significantly smaller than their stores in competing centres."

It added: "Debenhams's in-house commercial team has identified that Debenhams is hugely under-represented in York."

It cited Leeds and Doncaster as examples of cities where they were better represented than in York.

If granted approval, the new store will sell a range of men's women's and children's clothing, as well as cosmetics and homeware.

As previously reported in The Press, PC World looks likely to relocate to Clifton Moor as part of the reshuffle.

Earlier this year, the computer retailer applied for permission to put up advertising signs, under the address: "PC World, new retail unit, Clifton Moor."

Monks Cross manager Katherine Sharp said then she was disappointed and surprised by their imminent departure.

Neither PC World nor Debenhams responded to The Press's requests for comment on this story.