A SHOPS and flats development, which will give a much-needed facelift to part of the centre of York, has been given the go-ahead.

The scheme will see the early 1950s block of nine shops, which runs along Spurriergate round into High Ousegate, revamped and a new three-storey building built in Peter Lane to create an overall development of five shop units and 13 flats.

It won approval from members of City of York Council's city centre planning sub-committee as something which would improve the look of the area.

Committee chairman Coun Martin Brumby said: "I think it is going to be a positive contribution to the street scene in York, and I welcome it."

The project, by landlord Equitable Life Assurance Society, will see the line of shops shifted forward to line up with the frontage of nearby NatWest Bank.

The existing facades on to Spurriergate and High Ousegate will be replaced.

Updated: 11:34 Friday, August 10, 2001