PLANS to knock down a historic York social club and replace it with a block of flats have come a step closer.

Officers have recommended councillors approve the plans to demolish the Promenade Working Men's Club in St Benedict Road and build a three-storey block of 12 two-bedroom flats in its place.

If the plans are approved, 100 years of tradition will come to an end when the club is knocked down.

A lengthy wrangle over the club's future began in 2002 when its members teamed up with developer John Guildford - whose elderly father drank there - to save it from extinction.

The developer had lent the struggling club a year's loan to keep it afloat while the lengthy planning application was processed, and his application to create ten flats and a smaller club was approved by councillors in November last year.

But this plan was rejected by club members who wanted the club steward to be housed in one of the flats.

Former residents' association chairwoman Ann Dray, who lives nearby, said it was "very sad" that the new building would replace the club. "Most people are very upset. It will be a much missed amenity. It didn't have a huge membership, but the people that used it were very sad."

Another local resident, Terry Walker, agreed that the demise of the club was "very sad".

A 55-signature petition was submitted by neighbours to planning officers objecting to the loss of the club. Micklegate planning panel also objected to the proposed building, saying it would be too high.

The proposed 24 metre by 12.6 metre "contemporary design" block would include two flats in the space formerly planned for a smaller club. The four flats on each floor would include an open-plan lounge and kitchen with two bedrooms at the back. Front flats would include balconies. There would be space for six cars, as well as a secure 12-space cycle store.

Development officer Heather Fairy said in a report that the site was "underused" and that the proposed building would "fit well" within the community.

Members of the planning and transport city area sub-committee are due to discuss the plans at a meeting on Thursday.

Updated: 08:30 Friday, June 25, 2004