AN HISTORIC building close to York’s busiest shopping street could be turned into a 15-bedroom hotel.

Plans have been submitted to City of York Council to convert Judges’ Court, off Coney Street, into a hotel business in what would be the latest in a string of roles for the Grade II-listed site since it was built in the early 18th century.

The building, which was once sleeping accommodation for judges, became available after law firm Sykes Lee & Brydson, which was recently based there, merged with Ware & Kay to form a larger legal practice at the latter firm’s Peasholme Green premises earlier this year.

The building has a long legal history dating back to 1843, when it was bought by the attorney JC Newstead.

It gained its name through being used as overnight accommodation for visiting judges presiding over the Courts of Assizes at York Castle, although it was originally designed as townhouse.

Its links with the judiciary ended in 1806 when their accommodation moved to the Judges’ Lodgings in Lendal, and it later became Crow’s Coffee House and the Yorkshire Mechanical Museum.

In a statement sent to the council, York-based planning agents David Chapman Associates, said: “These proposals will regenerate Judges Court and maintain the building for generations to come.

“They will bring the use of this building into one which promotes tourism and contribute to the general economy of York city-centre.

“As no vehicle can be introduced on to the site, the proposals clearly promote a car-free environment and encourage public transport.”

The firm said the applicants planned to install a gate at the Coney Street end of a passage leading to Judges’ Court, with a sign pointing towards the hotel.

It would include a reception area but no restaurant or bar, with refurbishment work being carried out on parts of the three-floor building and the agents saying “minimal changes” would be made.

“The proposal is a usage we feel is ideal for this building and its location, centrally-located as it is, it provides accommodation for businesses and tourists alike which is in easy reach of public transport and other facilities,” said the statement.

A decision on the hotel plans could be made next month.