John Harper’s magnificent St Leonard’s Crescent is unique in York. The only way to “show proper respect for the architecture” (The Press, June 15) is to return it to its original purpose as housing.

The idea that this building might be transformed into a hotel without destroying its essential character is a vain hope. When a councillor expresses such a hope rather than appropriate determination, we see clearly what reliance we may place on our elected members.

Harper, like Brierley and Atkinson, provided some of the most splendid features of York. We should treasure them. There is often a case for conversion when a building has outlived its original purpose. Brierley’s delightful Acomb School is an example. This is not the case here.

William Dixon Smith, Welland Rise. Acomb, York.