A NEW 143-bedroom hotel and a six-storey apartment block will be built on Piccadilly after plans were given the green light.

The former Infinity Motorcycles shop and car park opposite Spark:York will be demolished and a Hampton By Hilton hotel will be built in its place.

Philip Holmes, speaking on behalf of the applicant at a meeting on Thursday, said the scheme will “bring vitality to this part of the city centre”.

Councillors were in favour of the scheme but some raised concerns about the design of the building, with Cllr Andy D’Agorne calling it “unimaginative”.

He added: “This particular perspective is crucial given that this is going to be the view from Clifford’s Tower.”

But a spokesman for developers Avantis said they have worked hard on the plans.

He said: “Our professional team have worked tirelessly to improve the previous consented scheme whilst respecting the sensitive nature of the historical surroundings.

"The scheme will bring significant, local economic benefits to a site that had little other use than as a carpark.”

The plans were approved by a majority.