A DEVOTED councillor is preparing to challenge the re-development of Clifford's Tower by taking the matter to the High Court.

Cllr Jonny Hayes, an independent councillor in Micklegate for City of York Council, told councillors at Thursday's full council meeting he is beginning legal proceedings for a Judicial Review.

He believes the planning process, which approved plans to build a visitor centre shop, café and viewing platform into the base of mound of the 13th century attraction, was " deeply flawed" and will start proceedings if the council do not quash their original decision.

He told councillors: "I believe that this is the wrong building in the wrong place. 

"I think that a visitor centre would be better placed elsewhere if one is to be built. 

"But this building should not be sticking out of the iconic Clifford’s Tower motte into the beautiful Eye of York conservation area.

"I am very much against this development."

The initial appeal will cost around £15,000 and a further £35,000 to £40,000 if it goes to the High Court.

Cllr Hayes said he has already spent half of his teacher's pension on the case's legal fees and will appeal to residents to fund the rest.

The announcement has been met with disappointment by the council and English Heritage, who are behind the re-development plans.

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "We are disappointed that a judicial review has been lodged at the High Court.

'The review will only be concerned with the processes followed by the planning committee and will not consider the merits of the application itself.

"The review will cause a delay – which we consider to be unnecessary – to English Heritage’s project to provide greater access to, and enjoyment of, Clifford’s Tower."

An English Heritage spokesman added: "English Heritage was pleased to have received planning permission for this project from City of York Council.

"We took enormous care in preparing the planning application including getting the views of the people of York, inviting them to a number of events to hear about our plans for the tower, and changing the design of the visitor centre in response to their feedback.

"We remain committed to this project which will conserve Clifford’s Tower, tell its story better, and improve the quality of visits to this historic landmark."