A BATH shop in York city centre could become a cafe or restaurant.

The owner of 9 Colliergate, which is currently occupied by bathroom supply store The Cast Iron Bath Company, has applied for planning permission for the unit to become an eatery in the future.

Planning documents say a restaurant would "complement the excellent balance of shops" at the location.

The application for the 127 sqm two-storey building says: "At this stage, we are seeking to establish the principle of change of use.

"Once a particular tenant expresses an interest, details of any internal alterations (including extract ventilation and services integration) will be the subject of a listed building application.

"Colliergate is predominantly A1 retail use along its length. A restaurant / café use will complement the excellent balance of shops and attract shoppers to the location.

"The building would require very little alteration to accommodate a typical A3 restaurant use. The rear ground floor part of the building has had non-historic partitions and a flat roof infill. This would allow an A3 restaurant operator to install and kitchen and service area within the rear, and any service alterations for extract or drainage etc to have minimal impact on the historic fabric of the building."

The owner of the Grade II-listed building was given permission to turn it into a café or restaurant in August 2013 but did not convert the unit into an eatery and the permission expired.