AN internet caf is to expand - thanks to some sympathetic City of York councillors.

Ian Loftus currently runs a "lifestyle" shop and first-floor internet caf, called Evil Eye Lounge, in Stonegate, York.

His plans to replace his shop, Forever Changes, which sells a variety of goods including shoes and watches, with an extended caf were welcomed by councillors.

However, two things stood in the committee's way.

One was a section of the draft local plan, which does not allow any non-retail use in the area - and internet cafs apparently do not count as retail use.

The committee also heard that an existing internet caf further down the street was already trading - without change of use permission.

But council officer Chris Newsome told the committee that the planned caf should retain some retail activity at the front of the shop in order to comply with the rules.

He said: "The one further down the street hasn't got planning permission, it's something we need to look into."

Coun Ann Reid said internet cafs were providing a good service. She said: "As a tourist destination we must be encouraging these kinds of activities. When you are away it's the easiest way to stay in touch with home."

The committee gave officers powers to approve the plans.

Mr Loftus plans to relocate his shop to somewhere else in the city.

Updated: 11:16 Saturday, April 05, 2003