DEVELOPMENT control officer John Ashton remarks that St Barnabas C of E School is "not considered to be of listable quality" ("Flats likely to replace school", October 18). Not considered listable by whom? Has an application for listed status ever been made?

Given how few Victorian municipal buildings are now left, and given that the Leeman Road area has so little in the way of landmarks, the destruction of St Barnabas School would be criminally irresponsible.

Architecturally, the school is a gem. Its design is based on the repeated pattern of three pointed windows beneath a roundel, culminating in Bright Street with splendid tracery on three levels, the upper trio incorporating the original stained glass. The whole is surmounted by finely-built chimneystacks and a beautiful and exquisitely delicate bell-tower.

Since the building was opened by Joseph Terry, Lord Mayor, in 1886, not one brick has moved out of line. The few problems are easily solved, eg interior plasterwork, some small-scale stone restoration, and re-pointing. The roof is excellent, and the windows were properly maintained until recently, and are all sound.

There is no reason why the existing school should not provide "enhanced facilities for the local community" (Mr Ashton again). Failing that, it would easily convert into highly desirable residential units, worth far more than the breeze-block tat which would replace it.

Either way, the local environment and heritage would remain intact.

This wonderful building is in imminent danger of being swept away for ever, and for one reason only: greed. The destruction of historic buildings is theft, and all the members of the York Diocesan Board of Education should be ashamed of themselves, along with all those from City of York Council who are planning to vote today for the demolition of St Barnabas School.

Anne Layram,

Trafalgar Street,

South Bank,

York.

Updated: 10:13 Thursday, October 20, 2005