A CONVENIENCE store chain is to open its fourth York branch within weeks after clearing the final hurdle to its plans.

GSAI Group, which already has stores in Fulford, Haxby Road and Rawcliffe, yesterday won its application for a licence to sell alcohol and hot night-time refreshments.

It now expects to open the new Reindeer Londis on December 6, on the site of the old Reindeer pub in Penley’s Grove Street. The move will create ten new jobs.

There had been six local objections on the grounds of noise nuisance, antisocial behaviour and traffic increases, but a panel of three councillors granted the application, after a one-hour hearing at York’s Guildhall.

The store will now be able to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight, and hot food and drink from 11pm to midnight, as well as its usual range of goods.

During the hearing, local residents’ association member Tim Mitchinson said the street was already a rat-run and he said he feared that may get worse.

He also said there was a prospect of more noise nuisance for local residents, and said he feared the proximity of the Spar shop, in neighbouring Lowther Street, could lead to a price-war on alcohol, possibly encouraging irresponsible drinking.

Local councillor Janet Looker said the area was densely populated, and highlighted problems in nearby Clarence Gardens, which became the subject of an alcohol ban three months ago.

But David Hook, speaking on behalf of the GSAI Group, said its other branches, including the old post office in nearby Haxby Road, had always been well run and well managed.

Aasif Rabbani, one of the partners in the group, said after the hearing: “We do not want to cause problems and would like to work with residents.

“If anything happens and they have an issue, I would like them to come to see me personally and I will endeavour to sort it out.”