A NEW plan to replace a York pub with flats has been given the go-ahead.

Alliance and Mutual Pubs put forward the revised scheme to transform The Poacher, in Front Street, Acomb, into four flats.

The original plan would have seen the pub demolished and replaced with a three-storey block of retirement flats. This was abandoned after widespread opposition.

The new scheme also includes the conversion of a separate coach house building into a house and the building of a further three detached houses on former allotment gardens.

The then landlord, Alf Durrant, only discovered the original application to replace the pub with apartments had been lodged with the council after a neighbour told him.

The new manager, Ian Smith, said he was still in the dark as to when the pub would serve its last pint. "We will just have to wait and see what happens," he said.

A report, written by development control officer Richard Graham, revealed that the new proposal would "not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to the impact on residents and the conservation area".

The pub lies within an area of archaeological importance - with links to Roman and medieval times.

Meanwhile, councillors also gave the green light for the extension of Rufforth Primary School to create a multi-purpose venue for pupils and residents alike.

The venture which includes extra car parking and improved access has already won £332,000 from the Local Education Authority and £150,000 from Yorventure.

The two-storey-high venue is considered to be a much-needed facility for the school and community. It would cater for diverse activities such as sports, adult learning, drama, education, community and after-school activities.

School governor Coun Janet Hopton said: "I'm delighted because the school facilities are inadequate at present to provide physical education as it should be."

Planning councillors agreed to trial inventive plans designed to keep out motorbikes from Hob Moor while still allowing bicycles.

The K-Barrier, which places a width restriction at handlebar height designed to prevent the wider handlebars of motorbikes from passing, will be used at one of the entrances.

The moor has been plagued by motorcycles, often stolen, in recent months.

Updated: 10:15 Wednesday, July 27, 2005