NEW moves have been made to redevelop the derelict building behind historic stonework which was once part of York Theatre Royal.

New proposals have emerged for 79 Fulford Road - the disused former children’s nursery building behind the historic stone facade - and for a slice of land behind it.

The building was the centre of heritage fears earlier this year, when demolition notices appeared and prompted concern a nearly 200-year-old stone facade could be lost.

The stonework dates from 1834 and was designed by John Harper as part of the entrance to the Theatre Royal. It was moved to its current home when the theatre was remodelled in 1879. When the demolition fears were raised council planning bosses put an Article 4 Directive (A4D) on the frontage, meaning it cannot be removed without full planning permission from the council.

Last week a new demolition notice appeared for the building behind the frontage, but with the A4D still in place the stonework is protected.

Papers show the owners want to pull down the single storey shed because it is currently occupied by “vandals and drug dealers”. They also want to “soft strip” coach-houses at the back of the site to see what could be salvaged and retained.

At the same time, developers want to build a new three-bedroom family house on a lane between 4 and 6 Howard Street, backing on to the Fulford Road site.

A planning application has been submitted for a new home that would match the existing Victorian terraces, but some neighbours have already objected saying it would block a lane they have long-established rights to use.