DELAYED plans to bulldoze a York supermarket and replace it with another store and a block of flats look finally set to be approved.

City of York Council planning councillors had previously deferred proposals by Kwik Save's owners, Somerfield, and Caddick Developments Ltd, to bulldoze the store in Hull Road.

Residents objected to the scheme on the grounds that it would be too dense and out of character for the surrounding area.

But following meetings with planning officers, the scheme has now revised to reduce the number of apartments by one, to 20 two-bedroom flats. They have also changed the layout from one 'T' shape block to one long block along the back of the site and a separate small block at the front.

The amount of open space on the site has also been improved.

In a report to members, development control officer Mick Britton said: "The redevelopment of the retail use is welcome, and allows for the residential redevelopment of the underused car park which fronts Thief Lane.

"This site is in a primarily residential area and is in a sustainable location, close to all existing services."

Officers received 16 letters of objection from neighbours who claimed it would generate too much traffic.

The building was originally constructed as an engineering works, but was used for many years as a print works and was said to have housed prisoners of war during the First World War. It was one of the longest established supermarkets in York, and became the country's first Hillards store when it opened for business in October 1968.

A feature in the Evening Press about the Hillards shop said it had been "probably the ugliest building in York" prior to renovation by the company.

The store changed hands in 1987 as part of Tesco's £200 million buyout of Hillards, and again a year later, when it was purchased by William Jackson and Son for its Grandways brand.

Kwik Save became the latest owner of the property in 1992, when William Jackson and Son decided to switch their business from supermarkets to convenience stores.

Bristol-based retailer Somerfield bought Kwik Save in 1998 and currently operates more than 1,250 stores nationwide.

The matter will go before councillors at 2pm on Thursday.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, July 08, 2005