CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a former residential home and residence of a past Lord Mayor of York to make room for 24 flats have been deferred.

Labour councillors spoke on behalf of residents at a meeting of City of York Council's East Area Planning Sub Committee objecting to plans by Barratt York Ltd to knock down former BUPA residential home, Burton Croft.

The plans would see the Victorian-style building in Burton Stone Lane, Clifton, replaced with a three-storey block of 24 flats.

But Councillors David Scott and Alan Jones spoke at the meeting to argue that overshadowing of new flats to neighbouring properties and the loss of the attractive building would be detrimental to the area.

Coun Scott said at the meeting: "Residents are rightly concerned about the size, density and location of this development.

"It is totally out of character with the area and will dwarf the houses next to it. It is like mooring the Titanic next to a yacht.

"If number 73 Burton Stone Lane had a barbecue, the owner of the flat with the balcony will not only be able to tell him when his food was burning, but pass him a cold drink from the fridge."

Burton Croft was once the home of John Bowes Morrell, who was Lord Mayor of York.

Barratt York Ltd has now been asked to consult with residents and revise its plans.

Paul Edwards, area team assistant for the council's east area planning team, said: "Members requested the planning officer to negotiate a reduced scheme as there were some concerns regarding the demolition aspects of the scheme."

A Barratt spokesman said: "We are awaiting a formal response from the planning committee and it would be inappropriate to comment at this stage."

Updated: 08:38 Monday, July 14, 2003