HUNDREDS of people have voiced their opposition to the proposed demolition of one of York's best-known pubs.

Jonas Homes is hoping to build 19 houses on the site of the Gimcrack Hotel, in Fulford Road.

But City of York councillors are being urged to throw out the proposals when they meet next week for a planning meeting.

Officials at the authority are also calling for the plans to be rejected, but local residents say they will still hand in a 700-name petition as they are concerned that the applicants could appeal if permission is refused.

Andy D'Agorne, a spokesman for the opponents, said: "We are aware this could only be the first stage of a longer battle but we are resolute in our opposition to this plan to sweep away yet another local landmark for over-development in a conservation area."

Other protesters include the York Georgian Society, the Civic Trust and the Green Party, while 13 local residents have written to the council urging it not to give planning permission.

Hannah Jones, the council's development control officer, said: "No justification for the demolition of the Gimcrack building has been submitted and the architectural merits of the proposed replacement buildings are considered themselves not sufficient to justify demolition."