YORK Civic Trust has sharply criticised the handling of the demolition of an historic city centre building.

Chairman Andrew Scott claimed in the trust’s annual report that City of York Council breached an established conservation principle when it allowed the former Reynard’s Garage in Piccadilly to be demolished without ‘absolute certainty’ about its replacement.

He admitted this might have been permissible as a result of a recent relaxation of planning legislation but said: “Vacant development sites with an indeterminate life do not enhance the environment of our heritage city.”

He also said the council appeared to have ignored its own planning condition requiring temporary landscaping within six months of demolition approval, and claimed: “It sends out the worst of messages to other property owners inclined to ignore planning conditions.”

Trust chief executive David Fraser said the demolition site was only now being tidied up, one year on.

A council spokeswoman said it became apparent during demolition works that a boundary wall at one end of the site was structurally unsafe and needed to be taken down and rebuilt. “As this was outside the scope of the initial contract, this work had to be retendered,”she said.

“Following negotiations with the contractor responsible for the neighbouring site, it has been agreed they will undertake the works. This represents a significant financial saving for the council.

“The delay in completing demolition works has therefore delayed the implementation of the landscaping. However, during this period, options have been considered to try and ensure the site is given a better temporary purpose until the long term strategy for the site has been agreed. These options will hopefully animate and bring the site in to use.”

She hoped a temporary use for the site would be identified by the end of September.