CAMPAIGNERS say one of York’s finest Victorian streets could be ruined by plans to build a new family home in the middle of a row of 19th-century houses.

Residents in Howard Street, a cul-de-sac in Fishergate, are objecting en masse to proposals by York-based Trinity Services UK to build a three-storey house in an access lane between two existing homes.

They say it will ruin the unique, unspoilt historic character of the street - which is on the edge of a conservation area - as well as dramatically block out light, make parking and manoeuvring even more difficult in the narrow road and remove access to the back of homes for several residents.

Residents gathered to protest by the lane and were joined by local councillor Andy D’Agorne holding up placards reading: "SOS" - Save Our Street.

Howard Street resident Nick Pears said: “We need to preserve the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the city for future generations. The proposed design aims to copy the look of the original houses in the street, but will look like a fake and stand out like a sore thumb – ruining one of the best Victorian streets in York.”

Peter Bartley, who lives directly opposite the lane, said: “I am concerned with the loss of light that will be experienced by us and our immediate neighbours. Obviously erecting a three-storey building directly opposite will have an enormous effect on the amount of daylight and sunlight on our properties.”

Neighbour Val Liddell said: “Just because there is a space doesn’t mean it has to be filled. The street was originally designed like this, with the lane between these two houses. It works, so why mess with that?”

She said the lane was regularly used for the delivery of coal to her property as well as for the removal of rubbish and as a route from the back of the house on foot and bicycle.

Many neighbours say they have long-established rights to use the lane for access, which is now under threat.

Stephen Hazell, an investor in the site, said: “We have applied for permission. It is the planning department who make decisions. In any planning application some people, particularly people who live near or adjacent to the site, will not want it to happen.

“I would disagree with all the points [residents have raised]. Access to the rear of Howard Street is by a public footpath. That footpath will always be there.

“All the application does is fill a gap in the street between existing houses. The intention is to build something in keeping with the existing houses.”