A DISUSED eyesore garage at the side of the A64 in York is set to be transformed into a 100-seat fish restaurant and take-away.

The ambitious plans have been tabled by former fish-and- chip shop owners John and Sarah Thompson, and are expected to be rubber stamped by city planners on Tuesday.

Although the scheme has already won approval, a number of conditions still need to be considered by councillors.

If the plan goes ahead it would see the old Hazel Bush Filling Station, close to Sand Hutton on the A64, demolished and replaced with the restaurant.

About 30 jobs, both part-time and full-time, are expected to be created when the restaurant opens next year.

John, who has previously run fish-and-chip shops in East Yorkshire, at Stamford Bridge and Wetwang, said: "We are aiming for 100 seats, but take-away would also be available. We have chosen the name Thompson's Traditional Fish and Chips and will be selling a wide range of specialist fresh fish. Different dishes would be available on the specials each day.

"There is a lot of potential for trade there and we are aiming to appeal to all types of customer."

Sarah added: "We are hopeful, it has been recommended for approval, but we are keeping our fingers crossed at this stage."

City of York Council's Planning and Transport (north east area) Sub-Committee is due to discuss the plans on Tuesday.

Although the scheme has been recommended for approval 21 conditions have been attached to it.

These include a landscape gardening scheme being completed within six months of the restaurant being built, opening hours being restricted to between 11am and 8.30pm each day and deliveries restricted to the same times.

Updated: 11:56 Saturday, November 02, 2002