A MAJOR redevelopment of the historic Guildhall complex will go ahead after city planners voted to approve the plans.

Councillors gave the proposals the green light after more than two hours of debate during a meeting at West Offices.

Critics agreed the buildings need to be refurbished, but argued the plans were not right and urged architects to consider re-designing them.

Honourary Alderman David Horton, a former Lord Mayor, said his biggest concern was where the civic car would be parked if two Mansion House garages were demolished.

He said: “As a former Lord Mayor of this city on two occasions I am aware of the operational problems that will be created in garaging the civic car at locations other than in the Guildhall Yard garages.

“Re-locating the garaging of the Civic car away from the Guildhall complex is a non-starter.”

Objections were also raised by York Conservation Trust, who own the neighbouring buildings at 14 Lendal.

They claim the plans could seriously damage the chances of reusing the historic buildings.

The Guildhall plan is to create a business centre, offices, cafe and restaurant in the former City of York Council offices.

York Press:

It has already faced several delays, with architects revising new buildings planned for the site, but it will now become a reality.

David Warburton, project manager at the Guildhall complex, said: “This is an important day for the council and the committee.

“It has been at the heart of the city’s governance for several hundred years and today its future as one of the city’s most prized assets could be secured.”

Cllr Barbara Boyce added: “We do need to do something with the Guildhall complex and it cannot stay how it is.

“I have worked in those offices and it’s not a nice place to work or comfortable place to spend four or five hours in the council chamber.

Cllr Ann Reid, chairwoman of the Planning Committee said: “I understand why people are upset about this and I have my own views on what I would like to see there eventually.

“I don’t know if it’s a necessity if there is a garage there, and it is unfortunate how the civic party will be managed that way, but there may be more details to come before us.”