A 16TH century pub will be dwarfed and dominated by a planned hotel, objectors have claimed.

Vastint Hospitality is seeking permission to build an L-shaped building, with a “rising terrace” design over three, four and five storeys behind the Black Swan pub in Peasholme Green, York.

Architects CSP have said it will help to reinvigorate the Hungate area if the 120-bedroom Moxy Hotel goes ahead.

But a series of members of the public have lodged objections with City of York Council, many of them deeply concerned about the visual impact on the pub.

One, Alasdair McIntosh, said: “No consideration has been given to contrasting the building with the beautiful old pub in front, or setting up any type of architectural relationship with it other than dominating it.”

Another, Alastair Dent, said he felt the height and proximity of the building to the Black Swan, “one of York’s most historic and significant buildings,” made it inappropriate.