PLANNERS have cleared the way for work to start on a new 165-bedroom hotel on the site of York’s former Barbican swimming pool.

Property firm Broadhall was granted permission last month to build a Hilton Garden Inn on land next to the Barbican auditorium in Paragon Street, as long as City of York Council planning officers were satisfied with adjustments to the design of the building.

They have now formally approved the scheme – the original design for which was recommended for refusal – as long as various conditions were met covering issues including the materials which will be used and the height of the hotel, are met.

Broadhall agreed to lower the size of the building to six storeys and use zinc sheeting rather than limestone at its entrance.