A LEADING conservation campaign group has called for the skyline from the York Central development site to be properly surveyed before six-storey buildings are approved there.

As reported in later editions of Tuesday's Evening Press, the latest draft planning brief for the multi-million pound development includes a proposal to build six-storey buildings.

The buildings would be among the highest in York if they went ahead.

York Civic Trust, a group which aims to preserve York's architectural and cultural heritage, says six-storey buildings would only be acceptable as an exception.

Trust administrator Peter Brown said it supports concerns that the development could affect historic views from the site area, and so the view assessment was needed.

York Central is close to York Station, a Grade II* listed building, and the ancient monument of York's historic city walls.

Mr Brown said: "Before such a height (six storeys) was accepted the site must first be the object of a thorough analysis of distant views from outside the site which must demonstrate that the skyline would not be impaired. This approach would enable those assessing any submitted scheme to ensure that the development of this site could be fully integrated into the existing urban fabric of the city."

The York Central development will see an 85-acre piece of land behind the station transformed into a new city centre village.

Proposals for the site include the building of 3,000 new homes, a state-of-the-art integrated transport system and a new access road bridge from Queen Street.

In Tuesday's Evening Press, Richard Brown of York Conservation Trust said he found the six-storey idea appalling.

"I can barely believe the proposal has even been made," he said.

The draft planning brief is due to go before councillors for the first time next Thursday, when it will be considered by City of York Council's planning committee.

The meeting in The Guildhall will start at 4.30pm.

Updated: 09:33 Thursday, April 17, 2003