JANET Looker is a long-standing and respected councillor who has become an excellent Lord Mayor of York.

She is not given to sensationalism or soundbite politics. So when Coun Looker speaks out, we are well advised to listen.

On Saturday, she expressed heartfelt concerns about what is happening to the fabric of our city. "It seems as if everything that stands still in York will be turned into flats," she told this newspaper.

Her comments were prompted by plans to convert the Bay Horse pub in her Marygate ward into flats. But they will strike a chord with many residents who are concerned by the relentless, piecemeal development of York.

Certainly those who unsuccessfully campaigned to save Burton Croft will echo her words. So will those who drank at the Starting Gate, Gimcrack and Frog Hall pubs. And the families who are set to lose their homes when Poppleton Gate House is demolished will be applauding too.

While it is right that York is not preserved in formaldehyde, the sheer scale of development is troubling. Since August 2003, the council has granted planning permission for 1,041 flats.

Handsome buildings, profitable businesses and community focal points are being lost. There is no Local Plan to protect them, no council vision to mould new projects.

Coun Looker is right to be worried. When this development tornado has blown through York, the dust might settle on a city whose ancient, layered character has been irretrievably diminished.

Updated: 11:04 Monday, November 15, 2004