I hope whoever bought the Bonding Warehouse (Legally Bonding, The Press, June 26) has not done so on the assumption that conversion to luxury flats is a foregone conclusion. It would not be the most appropriate use for the building.

The Bonding Warehouse is on the statutory list of buildings for York for its architectural and historic interest.

It is a handsome building, prominent on the riverside to which it makes a distinctive visual contribution. It is important, too, for its construction method, designed to minimise fire risk.

People who frequented the building in the old days will remember the brick vaulted ceiling on the ground floor, supported on the cast-iron columns characteristic of this early form of construction.

Historically, it symbolises the fundamental importance of the river in the commercial life of York for more than centuries.

The common crane stood here in mediaeval times, and here the port of York was managed and controlled until early last century. The construction of the Bonding Warehouse in 1875 is just the most recent manifestation of that historic trading role as signified by the gantry on its river front.

These aspects of its interest should be conserved and enhanced. Good conservation practice recognises that the interior of an historic building is as important as its external appearance. A use which respects the original commercial function of the Bonding Warehouse and inflicts as little alteration as possible will be most appropriate.

Conversion to luxury flats, requiring subdivision of the interior space, would damage its essential character, its fabric and its historic interest. Such a use should be opposed.

More suitable would be small-scale craft shops and work spaces, continuing the commercial character and function of the building.

Alison Sinclair, Norfolk Street, York.