A BID to give locals a say on the future of their pub looks set to be rejected by councillors.

Regulars of The Punch Bowl fear it could soon be turned into a mini-supermarket without them first having a chance to debate the plans.

City of York Council has recommended an Article 4 Direction for The Groves pub is turned down when a meeting takes place next week.

Regulars raised a petition and enlisted the help of York's Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch in an attempt to have the Article 4 applied to force the company to apply for planning permission.

However, following weeks of waiting, planners have recommended councillors do not grant one.

The recommendations state: "It is recommended that the Council does not use its discretionary power to make an immediate Article 4 Direction under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to remove permitted development rights for the change of use of The Punch Bowl public house, Lowther Street, York from its existing use as a public house (Class A4) to a shop (Class A1)."

Those behind the decision insist it was taken because changing its use "would not harm the visual amenity of the area" or "damage the historic environment".

The Press' Be Vocal For Your Local campaign is calling on City of York Council to introduce a blanket Article 4 Direction to give residents the chance to have their democratic say before they are converted.

Nick Love, of York CAMRA, said: "The recommendation from the planners just reflects a subjective view on the application of national planning laws.

"The wishes of the local community are paramount in this instance and cabinet members Cllrs Williams and Merrett can choose to disregard this recommendation and instead listen to the overwhelming feedback from 1,200 local residents and local businesses in support of The Punch Bowl and grant the Article 4 Direction.

"We are all relying on them to do the right thing in this instance."

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, leader of the authority's Green Party, is tabling a motion to introduce a blanket Article 4 Direction at next week's full council meeting.

He said: "It is shocking that the council appears to be cowed by developers into denying local residents the right for the matter to be even considered as a planning application."