Heritage you want to save

There are, she argued, many important buildings in York which do not meet the stringent criteria necessary to be given a national statutory listing, which protects everything from York Minster to the Odeon.

Other places are safeguarded because they sit within a conservation area.

But that leaves a lot of buildings vulnerable. At a time of voracious development in York, local landmarks and places with significant historical associations are in real danger of disappearing.

The issue was highlighted by Burton Croft in Burton Stone Lane. Now run down, this Victorian mansion still has the potential to be restored to its best. Instead it is earmarked for demolition to make way for modern flats.

Developer Barratt Homes is behind the plans. Last year York councillors threw out its application to destroy Burton Croft, which was home for many years to one of York's greatest benefactors JB Morrell.

Mr Morrell - the subject of two recent Yesterday Once Mores - brought us the Castle Museum, the university and the civic trust.

Barratt's original planning application is now the subject of an appeal. To circumvent that process, the developer has submitted new plans for the site. These still entail the demolition of the old mansion.

If York council drew up a local list naming Burton Croft, it would enjoy some extra protection in its battle for survival.

Ten days ago we asked you to contact us with your suggestions for buildings for a local list. Many of you responded, for which you have our thanks, and there was a strong groundswell of support for Burton Croft, as well as a number of other nominations.

Burton Croft also received backing at a meeting of the York Open Planning Forum which discussed the issue last week. Other buildings were nominated here too.

Forum chair Alison Sinclair is heartened by the response. The more local listing can be seen as a community initiative, the more likely it is the city council will be persuaded to take up the idea, she said.

She was also pleased by the support for JB Morrell's former home. "The number of nominations received for Burton Croft shows the kind of support a building would need for it to be included on the local list," she said.

"It would be nice to think Burton Croft could be the first building to get the list started off, but I am afraid the city council are not yet ready to go that far.

"It is quite clear there is a lot of local support for protecting Burton Croft from redevelopment."

Below are some of your nominations for a local list of York buildings, with your reasons for wanting to see them protected.

Local list nominations

Burton Croft

"It should be saved. It's of very historic interest as the home of the former Lord Mayor. I am sure they can do something with the inside of the house.

"There are so many buildings going. I just think it's awful.

"I think a local list is a marvellous idea."

Sue Stafford, Haxby

"It's a lovely old building. It will be so sad if it's knocked down and replaced by a whole block of flats with no architectural interest whatsoever."

Mrs J Horner, Burton Stone Lane, York

"Too many buildings in York are being demolished and replaced by high density housing - all in the name of progress. We have to protect our history, especially this house as JB Morrell lived there and he was York's greatest benefactor."

Phillip Myler, by email

"Surely the building could be converted instead of being demolished. Old York is in danger of becoming New York because of all the large blocks of flats being built."

Gill Wilkinson, by email

"We are forever being told of the shortage of beds in our hospital, plus 'bed blocking' by elderly people who have no suitable place to convalesce.

"Because of the close proximity of Burton Croft to the hospital surely it would be the most suitable place, and would not cost an outrageous amount to convert."

Brenda M Munro, Evelyn Crescent, York

"It was a property of taste and character which epitomised JB Morrell's vision for York.

"His ideas for the city lay in direct contrast to the uniformity of new properties that are now overwhelming York."

Josephine Honing, Burton Stone Lane, York

"It is the only building in the area that is of any class and a pleasure to see with a true York history to be proud of (it would make a great hotel)."

Miss S Haywood, Cromer Street, York

Other nominations

Yearsley Swimming Pool

"It is a good facility for the local community and would be very sorely missed if it were to close."

Mr N Mason, Anthea Drive, Huntington.

"It is a very good pool and the building has great historic value."

Mrs J Scurr, Dee Close, York

"A relatively unique Edwardian pool gifted to the citizens by Rowntree & Co. It represents an important part of York's heritage and also provides a community facility for maintaining the health and safety of York's citizens."

Mr and Mrs PA Evans, Whenby Grove, York.

"Vital to the community; well used by young and old; great unit for building community spirit."

PW McKenna, Allen Grove, Haxby.

"A very important community asset which has served generations and should serve future generations."

PM Shannon, Stephenson Close, York

Yearsley Pool, Rowntree Theatre & Library

"They are part of York's heritage which will provide facilities for many years to come."

Kathleen Acomb, Hillcrest Avenue, Nether Poppleton, York

129 Lawrence Street, York

"It is in the process of planning permission, after demolition, for erection of flats. It is a lovely Victorian house"

Mrs Sheila Thornton, Lawrence Street, York

Haxby Memorial Hall

"It's an original Victorian School and to alter it would alter the look of Haxby. It's also a memorial to the boys of two world wars."

Mrs AM Greaves, Hilbra Avenue, Haxby

Hessay Methodist Church "It is a small simple building, built around 1829 with a small schoolroom added later in the 19th century, which is the only meeting place for the village. The interior is substantially unaltered. The building could be at risk in the future."

Mrs Margaret Rogers, Hessay, York

The Railway Institute

"It is part of our heritage. If the council go on demolishing our lovely old buildings York won't be historic any more."

W Gell, The Werkdyke, York

Foss Basin (Locks)

"This needs regeneration if we hope to have access to the River Foss by future users. I'm thinking of Ascot Races coming to York."

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York

Any more nominations? Send them to Chris Titley, Features content editor, The Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN, or email chris.titley@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 09:34 Monday, March 01, 2004