PROPOSALS to turn a former amusement arcade in the centre of York into a restaurant and takeaway have been turned down by planners.

Desmond Pheby Wok and Go UK Ltd applied to City of York Council for permission to change the use of the Wharton’s Amusements building in Low Ousegate, which closed when the recession affected its business.

The council originally approved plans to turn the site into a shop last summer, but a fresh request for it to become a food outlet was drawn up earlier this year.

However, the application was rejected after the council’s planning officers said the area already had “an over-supply” of takeaways and there was a risk of another such business creating a risk of increased crime or antisocial behaviour.