PROTESTERS hired a 50ft "cherry picker" to show planners how a controversial flats scheme would "ruin" a classic gateway into York.

The huge machine was driven on to the pavement in The Mount and extended to the full height of the planned four-storey development during a site meeting by members of City of York Council's planning committee.

More than 30 residents, who oppose the new building, gathered to make their point to councillors and draw their attention to the cherry picker.

Planning officers have recommended approval for the scheme to create 22 properties on the Shepherd Homes offices site. The company is relocating to new offices at Huntington. It has submitted plans to build a detached house and a block of 14 flats on the site and convert the existing office building into six apartments. A coach house would be converted into into a further dwelling.

Residents say the four-storey apartment would be a "monstrosity", completely inappropriate for the surrounding area. The site lies within a conservation area, and York Civic Trust has previously blasted the development as "unacceptable".

Resident David Rayner, who organised the cherry picker stunt, said: "I hope we've made our point. We're not against this development, but are opposed to the intrusion of this building.

"It's an outrage."

Kevin Lyon, a local hotel owner, said: "We want to emphasis how ridiculous the building would be in terms of size. My guests will have to look out on to it."

Richard Carr-Archer, the official York Minster architect, said the building should be no bigger than two storeys.

"This is one of the great entrances into York," he said.

"I think it's outrageous that something so out-of-context could be put here."

But the architect behind the plans, David Strickland, said the site area needed a building of substantial scale.

"I think in urban terms it's vital the building is of this scale," he said.

Planning officer Richard Graham says the proposal will "not significantly affect the amenity of neighbours".

The matter was going before councillors at 5pm today.

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, August 05, 2004