A BID to build a massive seven-storey block of more than 100 apartments in York city centre has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

But planners look set for some rounds of wrangling with developer Taywood Homes before the deal to build the 113-apartment block, on the site of the former Foxtons Garage, in Leeman Road, is finally sealed.

The developer is being asked for a donation of more than £450,000 towards providing affordable housing elsewhere in the city, since none will be included in the exclusive development and City of York Council policy demands it of new home schemes.

Planning committee member Coun Derek Smallwood said the sum, known as a commuted payment, should be as near to the council's ruling as possible - the equivalent of 28 units - 25 per cent of the development.

Peter Colebrook, from Taywood Homes, told the committee: "We expect to have to continue to negotiate on the level of the commuted sum."

Architect David Strickland said the new block would provide the type of accommodation not readily available in York and would make the city more attractive to inward investors.

He called it "an exciting space to be in" and told how the design was themed to be in keeping with York - the block's four penthouse towers represented the city walls and vaulted roofs reflected those of the city's railway station.

The development would bring improvements to the riverside it borders, provide a substantial sum for affordable housing and help provide the much-needed Leeman Road relief road.

But Coun Gerald Dean, the sole committee member to vote against approval, said the building was "too high and too bulky for this unique location in our wonderful and historic city".

Despite Coun Dean's opposition the committee voted through the application, adding provisos about issues such as waste recycling.