PLANS for a new 168-bedroom hotel to be built in the city centre are set to be approved - despite some residents saying there are too many large hotel chains developing sites within the walls.

The former Banana Warehouse site in Piccadilly will be turned into a hotel and restaurant under the proposals. Work has already started on a new 143-room Hampton by Hilton hotel next door.

The scheme would see most of the buildings on the site demolished - but the front of the former Banana Warehouse kept and incorporated into the new three to five-storey high block.

Three residents have objected to the plans - saying large hotels should be built outside the city walls and calling for the site to be turned into a cultural quarter.

One said: “With the buildings there currently and Spark York opposite, this area has potential as a creative quarter of the city, introducing new local enterprise and attractions for tourists and residents.”

Guildhall planning panel also objected to the plans - saying it was disappointed with the designs presented compared to those shown to residents.

It said it expected there would be public access to the river - with hopes of a riverside walk in the future - but this was not in the plans.

Historic England also have concerns about the height of the building and the impact on views from Clifford's Tower, a report for the planning committee says. But the proposed hotel is smaller in height to the neighbouring building.

Planning officers, who have recommended the plan be approved, say: “The proposed development is not considered to result in harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area or the setting of nearby listed buildings and the scheduled ancient monument and accords with planning law and national and local policy in this regard.”

The hotel is expected to create 31 new full time jobs and five part time roles.

Piccadilly has historically been home to timber and coal merchants, a saw mill, brewery and fruit merchants - before being redevelopedinto garages and office blocks. The applicant is Axcel Group and the hotel operator has not been revealed. The meeting takes place on Thursday.