The Conservative group on the City of York Council have welcomed the decision to scrap the controversial design for the expensive new council headquarters at Hungate.

Despite the inflated £40 million cost, the council scrapped the plans after criticism from various conservation groups, local watchdogs and opposition groups on the council.

The plans were unpopular with many York residents and has been unfavourably compared to the Stonebow Centre.

Conservative group leader Ian Gillies said: "Officers have done the right thing by withdrawing the application completely. Future consultation regarding an alternative must embrace professionals and organisations which are experienced in this area."