A DECISION date has been set for controversial plans to demolish the historic Reynards garage on Piccadilly.

Next Thursday, September 3, will see councillors on a planning committee at City of York Council, decide whether to approve the planning application to tear down the 1921 building.

The site, originally a trolley bus depot and later a pioneering aircraft factory with links to Neville Shute and Amy Johnson, has been earmarked for demolition since June when surveyors warned the council that the structure was in a dangerously poor condition.

The council's ruling executive decided demolition was the best option, but formal planning permission is still needed before the Art Deco building can be torn down.

In a written report, planners have recommended the demolition plan for approval, and they have revealed that a proposal being developed for the wider Southern Gateway site includes "a high quality scheme of private rented apartments."

The reports says that any harm to the historic character of the city caused by pulling the garage down would be outweighed by the benefit of not needing a disfiguring supporting framework around the building, avoiding disruption for pedestrians and traffic along Piccadilly, and the opportunity to tidy up the area before a long term redevelopment happens.