PLANS to convert Whitby's landmark harbourside tourist information centre into a restaurant and ice cream parlour are set to get the go-ahead despite strong opposition.

Scarborough Borough Council is relocating the TIC to premises near the harbour as part of budget cuts, but the scheme is opposed by Whitby Civic Society and a large number of residents who say the centre is of major economic and community value to the popular tourist town.

However the planning and development committee is being recommended to give the green light to the new role for the TIC in a scheme put forward by GEM Construction.

Objectors say the new use would bring "unwelcome" competition to existing businesses because of the large number of restaurants and ice cream parlours, already in Whitby, and they fear it will have a detrimental visual impact on Whitby's famous Abbey, as well as create increased litter problems aggravating the town's seagull problems.

But senior planning officer David Walker, said: "Allowing the change of use to a restaurant and parlour would bring the building back into a viable economic use."

He added that outdoor seating for the restaurant overlooking the harbour would add to Whitby's its vitality and vibrancy.