Councillors ready to approve pub plan

The proposals, by The Living Word Church, to convert the Fossway, on Huntington Road, into a place of worship and a community focal point, have been recommended for approval at a York Council planning committee on Thursday.

It is the church’s second attempt to take over the pub, after more elaborate plans were thrown out by councillors last year over fears the impact increased traffic would have.

Since the updated plans have been submitted, pastor David Lavery has complained to York Council over officers’ handling of the case, while complaints have also been made to North Yorkshire Police after a traffic management officer said Living Word – which consists of 40 members across the city – was not a “mainstream” church.

Now despite the plans being recommended by approval, Mr Lavery said he was still not confident they would not be passed.

“The council have made it extremely difficult all the way through”, he said.

“The building has been empty for two years, it is falling down and there are no other options available.

“We are hoping to open the building up to the community during the week.”

The Fossway closed in 2009 after its owners said a drop in trade and problems with drugs, violence and licensing issues meant it was no longer viable.

If approved, the building will be converted into a congregation meeting room with vestry and two adjoining flats.

The original plans also included a nursery, counselling and youth service, but these have all been removed.

The church currently meets at Haxby Road school.