A FORMER York pub which has been at the centre of a planning row could soon become a church.

City of York Council will decide this week whether the disused Fossway pub in Huntington Road can be turned into a base for the Living Word Church, which says its plans would secure the future of the dilapidated building.

Planners have recommended the scheme be approved, despite claims from a North Yorkshire Police traffic management officer that it would cause parking and traffic problems.

The Fossway closed in 2009 after its owners, Punch Taverns, said falling trade and problems with drugs and violence, as well as licensing issues, meant it was no longer viable. The Living Word’s proposals would see the ground floor become a meeting space, with a vestry on the first floor and two flats also being included.

Earlier this month, the church’s pastor, the Rev David Lavery, claimed the planning application had been mishandled by the council, while two other churchmen last month alleged North Yorkshire Police made “insulting and prejudicial” comments when one of its officers, in a response to the application, said Living Word was not a “mainstream” church.

The group currently has 40 members and the church’s proposals have been supported by the Dodsworth Area Residents’ Association, which says the site has been a target for vandals, yobs and fly-tippers since the pub closed. They say Living Word’s presence would be “a valuable and positive move for the benefit of the community”.

In a report, development officer Victoria Bell said the site would have enough parking space. The church has also said it could use the site for trained members of its congregation to provide debt advice, marriage guidance services and youth work.

An earlier plan by the church was turned down five months ago.