AN empty pub in York is to be converted into a shop with 18 flats above, planning papers show.

Developers want to transform the former Fleeting Arms on Gillygate into a new retail space with 18 studio apartments on the first and second floors above and behind in a two storey rear extension.

The building has previously been the Bay Horse pub, then Certificate 18, The Speakeasy, Stereo, The Pink Pony and Munroe’s Bar.

York Press:

For the last six months of 2015 was reopened temporarily as a pop up arts venue under the name The Fleeting Arms, while the then owners Punch Taverns worked on redevelopment plans.

A planning application now submitted shows developers want to transform the ground floor into a new 226 m sq retail space.

Meanwhile, an existing rear extension which is in poor condition would be pulled down and replaced with a new two-storey extension, housing some of the 18 planned apartments.

The apartments, all studios, vary in size from the smallest 16 m sq to the largest 24 m sq.

The building backs on to the Bar Walls, and developers say that rebuilding the poor quality rear extension they would be improving the area.

“The rear of the property is overlooked by the city walls, an important asset. The existing rear extension is currently in a state of disrepair and forms an unsightly combination of several additions which bring it to the current form,” a design statement prepared for planners says.

“The proposed development would bring the building back into a maintained state of repair and be a vast improvement overall.”

York Press:

It adds: “The project team are fully aware of the importance of development close to the city walls and are committed maintaining and improving the character of the area.”

The papers also say alterations to the front of the building will not harm the rest of Gillygate.

“Gillygate is made up predominantly of retail frontages, the proposed alterations would not have any effect on this with changes to the elevation being in keeping with the neighbouring retail premises.”

In its location close to shops and services, and on good bus routes, the building is a sustainable location for new housing, a sustainability statement adds.

The flats will all be for single people or couples with short term and permanent residence, reflecting the use of other properties in the area.