AMBITIOUS plans for a new Roman Quarter in York have finally been given the go-ahead.

The attraction, set for Rougier Street, has been described as a "once in a lifetime opportunity".

It is expected to bring around 500,000 visitors to York every year once open, creating 50 new jobs and boosting the visitor economy by around £21 million.

A decision on whether to approve the scheme was adjourned mid-way through a meeting of the City of York Council planning committee last month due to news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The proposal returned to the committee today (Wednesday October 5).

The meeting heard there were arguments around the archaeological benefits of the plan, and the fact that the scheme does not include affordable housing.

But councillors tonight (Wednesday) voted 6-5 in favour of the scheme.

The Roman Quarter project concerns a new underground Roman museum – Eboracum – along with an 88-room aparthotel, 153 new apartments and new office space in Rougier Street.

York Press: How the Roman Quarter would lookHow the Roman Quarter would look (Image: Planning documents)

Council officers recommended the scheme be approved, saying harm to archaeological deposits expected from the scheme will be outweighed by “substantial public benefits”.

The application, by Rougier Street Developments and York Archaeological Trust (YAT) is a revision of one rejected by councillors in early 2021.

York Press: City of York Council planning committee. Picture: YoutubeCity of York Council planning committee. Picture: Youtube (Image: Youtube)

Historical groups were split over the scheme but just six of 51 representations to the council were against.

More to follow