CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a modern visitor centre at the foot of one of the region's most iconic ancient monuments have been abruptly dropped.

English Heritage has decided not not proceed with its plans for Clifford's Tower in York, which were given planing permission by local council nearly two years ago.

The charity said it was responding to the depth of public feeling and also to City of York Council’s new Castle Gateway masterplan to transform the whole area.

English Heritage's director for the north, Andrea Selley, said: “The momentum behind transforming the Castle Gateway area is genuinely exciting and it may open up opportunities for Clifford’s Tower that previously did not exist.

“We also became increasingly conscious that many people have a deep emotional attachment towards the mound.

"The base of the mound is a 20th-century construction and the visitor building would not have touched any of the medieval remains but that small mound is a deeply familiar backdrop and the thought of changing it – even slightly and even with the very best intentions – was too much for many.

“But the fact remains that although people love the tower, a visit is far from ideal – there is an ugly shop in the centre of the tower and little interpretation to tell its fascinating story. We therefore remain committed to doing justice to Clifford’s Tower and we will work with our partners and the public to get it right.”

Local independent councillor Johnny Hayes led a legal challenge against the project which was rejected by a High Court judge last summer and an appeal was due to be heard next month.

The total legal bill to date has reached £60,000 - £42,000 from his own pocket and the rest from crowdfunding - and he said he would have sought costs had he won the appeal.

He said his challenge had delayed matters and the opportunity for English Heritage's U-turn would have been lost as the centre would be under construction by now.

He said he was delighted by English Heritage's decision and was now waiting to hear what would happen when it came to costs.

David Fraser of York Civic Trust, welcomed the re-think. "It was the wrong building in the wrong place," he said.