CIVIC trust chiefs in York have railed against the "New Yorkification" of the city - as they raise fears of a "head-long dash" to build high buildings regardless of the consequences.

Darrell Buttery, York Civic Trust chairman, said historic buildings were being overshadowed, views were eclipsed and architecture "alien to the city" was beginning to take hold as new developments are being built "regardless of the consequences".

Writing in the Civic Trust's annual report, Mr Buttery also criticised City of York Council for its support for the development of the Barbican site, and wrote about the loss of Terry's to the community.

Mr Buttery wrote that too many large buildings were being designed without an awareness of "those special qualities of the city which should inform planning decisions in and around the historic core".

"The Civic Trust has never been against change, but it has to be measured change, not this headlong dash to build high and densely all over, regardless of the consequences," he wrote.

"Skeldergate can serve as an example. After the war this historic street still retained its most important buildings, but in the intervening years they were picked off one by one, until now you can look down the street from Micklegate and see nothing but post-war development."

Speaking to the Evening Press, Mr Buttery said: "This is a major concern. Most people feel totally helpless against what's happening. Usually, you call on a councillor to try and get something done but, on that score, it seems to be drawing a blank."

Last month, we reported how Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Looker, also spoke out against the rising tide of flat developments in York, while acting in her capacity as a ward councillor.

On the Barbican, Mr Buttery wrote that instead of setting an example by opposing the scheme, the council had "sent out the wrong signals by promoting a scheme that tries to cram far too much into a restricted space".

Mr Buttery said the trust was worried about the effect the "monolithic" new Barbican would have on the city walls.

He also accused local government figures of a "lack of appreciation" for approving a new five-storey block of flats overshadowing the Merchant Adventurer's Hall.

On the positive side, Mr Buttery did praise York Business Pride, writing that its gum-busting machines were part of a raft of "good ideas for making the city a better place for residents and visitors alike".

Elsewhere in the report, the trust objected to the "growing visual intrusion of traffic signs and poles" which, it said, was diminishing enjoyment of the inner conservation area.

It also praised architect and academic Professor Patrick Nuttgens, who had many links with York, and Viscount Esher, who authored an influential report on the conservation of historic York. Both died earlier this year. Coun Ann Reid, the council's planning and transport chief, said: "The council is totally committed to protecting the city's historic core while recognising the importance of York's setting within the green belt.

"However, we also have to balance the city's economic, housing and social needs with the historic environment and also take into account Government advice and policies."

Updated: 10:40 Tuesday, December 07, 2004