A SUPERMARKET chain which wants to open a new store in the centre of York is making a second bid for planning approval.

In May, City of York Council turned down an original proposal by Sainsbury’s to fit a new shopfront to Queen’s House, at the foot of Micklegate, and install a cash machine.

Planning officials said the scheme would damage the appearance of the historic building.

The firm has now submitted a new application for the changes it wants to make to the building so a Sainsbury’s Local store can open, with a decision expected to be made next month.

It has already secured a licence for the premises from the council.

If the alterations are given the go-ahead, the existing timber shopfront would be replaced, with Sainsbury’s saying it would be “sensitive” to the area and the surrounding buildings.

Sainsbury’s said the scheme would improve disabled access to the store and help shoppers move around without obstacles.

“The proposals will ensure the retail unit functions well and adds to the overall quality of the area,” said the planning application.

“There will be minimal changes to the shopfront and it will be of a traditional design and scale which reflects the character of Micklegate.

“There will be no significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area, the building or the street scene.”

If given the go ahead, Sainsbury’s said its Micklegate store would create 25 jobs andwould hope the business would be open in autumn.

It would be the fifth local supermarket to open in the city-centre in the space of three years, following the arrival of Tesco outlets in Goodramgate, Ousegate and Piccadilly and a new Morrisons M local store in Spurriergate.

North Yorkshire Police had objected to Sainsbury’s applying to sell alcohol between 9am and 9pm every day because of crime and antisocial behaviour concerns, but a council licensing hearing ruled this could be allowed under strict conditions.