A PROJECT to tackle flooding in York has left a Victorian property in a dangerous condition - but planners have turned down a proposal to demolish it.

Yorkshire Water installed a £776,000 storm tank in a Union Terrace car park last year to try to solve flooding problems which had affected seven local properties over recent years.

The tank, which was 15 metres across and ten metres deep - the size of two terraced houses- was able to store about 1,650 cubic metres of waste water during heavy rainfall, for safe release back in to the sewer network when water levels have fallen.

But according to a City of York Council report, the work caused severe damage to number 93, an adjacent end terraced property, and it also damaged number 94.

Dr Andrew Bennett has submitted a planning application to the council to demolish the former NHS office accommodation at number 93 and build a house in the same style.

A building survey by Sweett said the building was suffering from a high degree of subsidence resulting in cracking in the brickwork on the gable end, front and back, and inside walls and floors had moved, making it extremely unsafe.

It said staircases had become partially detached and were no longer securely fixed into adjoining walls, props had been installed to support the staircases and ceilings and the property was boarded up.

It recommended a complete demolition, which it said would carry less health and safety risks than a partial demolition and re-build.

But a report by council officials said they objected to demolition because it would result in the total loss of a 'heritage asset.'

They said: "Its demolition would result in substantial harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area."

They said the applicant's submission had demonstrated that demolition was not necessary, as a structural report had indicated that the building could be stabilised, repaired and preserved.

They added that a letter of objection had been received from the neighbour at 94, saying it was not clear how much further damage might be caused if 93 were to be demolished.