THE last surviving Victorian cottages in Princes Avenue could be converted into a taxi office.
The news comes two months after permission was given to turn the cottages into a café bar and restaurant.
The brains behind the restaurant application, John Francis and John Palmer, now want the cottages turned into a taxi office for three years, before the premises are then used as a restaurant.
Andrew Eastburn, who lives to the rear of the cottages in Louis Street, said the idea is "bizarre" and he will face increased disturbance if the plans are approved.
"The restaurant was bad enough but a taxi office in my eyes is ridiculous," Mr Eastburn said.
He thinks the two black cab ranks in Princes Avenue are sufficient enough for the area.
Mr Francis and Mr Palmer own Pozition nightclub in the city centre.
Although the proposal states the taxis will not wait at the office and will be radioed to pick up clients from the waiting room, the office will use 12 parking spaces to the rear of the premises.
The cottages, believed to be have originally been linked to the former Hull Botanic Gardens railway station, were previously used as temporary accommodation by social services.
The new planning application will go to committee on Wednesday.
Some conservation campaigners in the Avenues were concerned about changes that will be made by the development.
Stephanie Wilson, chair of the Avenues and Pearson Park Residents' Association, said she was less opposed to the taxi office than the original restaurant plans.
She said: "The external and internal changes are less and could easily revert back to the original domestic use, which we'd prefer."
Project architect David Ettridge said: "From the outside, there won't be any noticeable changes.
"The original restaurant application was quite controversial with a large extension, which we reduced."
The restaurant, which is still planned to go ahead, will include a rear extension.
Mr Ettridge said he estimated the re-modelling for the restaurant would have to start in the next 18 months to be finished on time.
Mrs Wilson said: "In some ways, the more taxis the better. Many local people get annoyed at those from out of the area driving in and leaving their cars.
"If it means the railway cottages are unchanged for three years, we welcome it."
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