COUNCILLORS are to look again at a controversial decision to allow a historic York pub to be demolished and replaced.

The city council's planning committee is to have another debate and vote on the future of the Carlton Tavern, in Acomb, a little over a month after they voted by a narrow margin to allow it to be pulled down.

Care home firm Crown Care want to demolish the Victorian villa, which dates from the 1880s and in its place build a new 79-bed care home.

Campaigners fought the decision, saying the pub was a valued community asset and the building was architecturally important. After the planning decision in October there were suggestions that a judicial review could be launched to fight through the courts.

Now city council officials have confirmed the application is to go through planning committee again.

Mike Slater, assistant director for planning, said: "A local resident and the Victorian Society have queried to way in which we interpreted national policy around heritage assets when arriving at our decision.

"We have decided to refer it back to the committee so it can be clearly seen how we have arrived at our recommendation, and allow them to reconsider the issues."

A council spokesman said a fresh planning report would go into more detail about how they had interpreted national planning law, but it was unlikely to change its recommendation to councillors.

Today campaigner Louise Ennis said the move was an "amazing decision" for the city.

"The Carlton Tavern is a local landmark and part of the history of Acomb and the city," she added.

"The council is bound by one of its own core principles to listen to people, and now they have. They have actually listened to concerns and sent this for a re-vote."

An alternative offer for the Carlton's building is still on the table, Ms Ennis added, and between now and the planning meeting in December they will be working to bring that bid to life for people.

An anonymous investor has come forward to back a plan which would see the building become a restaurant and deli, as well as an enterprise hub for local businesses.