THE proposed revamp of a landmark building in the centre of York has been backed by the local planning panel.

The Graham Family Trust want to refurbish the 100-year-old White Swan Hotel on the corner of Piccadilly and Coppergate, putting shops on the ground floor and 14 apartments on the three upper floors.

The application has been supported by the Guildhall planning panel, which must be consulted on city-centre developments.

If the plans are approved, the ground floor could be used for retail or financial services units, restaurants, bars, or a mix of these uses, after bringing the building back into use as a hotel was ruled out.

A decision on the refurbishment could be made by the end of the year.