A BLUEPRINT for how part of York can be protected for future generations is set to be drawn up.

City of York Council is expected to approve a reworked plan for the Fulford Road Conservation Area when its planning committee meets this week – but a string of streets, an army base and a historic church look likely to miss out.

Officers say the now-disused Christian Science Church in Kilburn Road, the area’s former post office, Imphal Barracks and buildings on Ordnance Lane – which were originally earmarked as part of the plan – should not come within the new conservation boundaries, together with Alma Terrace, Fulford Cross, Howard Street, Broadway West and Danesmead.

Alma Grove, Wenlock Terrace and the southern end of Fishergate are among the areas set to receive the added protection.

A report, to go before the council’s planning committee tomorrow, says: “Ordnance Lane was recommended for inclusion as it would reinforce the military associations of the area and the tow of buildings to the east, away from Fulford Road, has some architectural quality. In reassessing its contribution to the special interest of the area, it is now recommended that Ordnance Lane is not added to the conservation area.”

Officers also said the former church and post office were classed as unsuitable because of their “poor relationship with their immediate physical and historical context” – while a public consultation exercise which saw 1,718 leaflets sent out prompted just 36 replies.

Fishergate councillor Dave Taylor, who is also the city’s heritage champion, said: “I believe the conservation area could go further.

“The former Christian Science Church and post office are superb examples of 20th-century architecture which are most unusual in York and should be included. Fulford Cross shares many characteristics with those of Alma Grove, so it would seem inconsistent not to include both, while the about-turn on the inclusion of the Ordnance Lane buildings seems quite sinister.

“Ordnance Lane is part of a group of buildings reflecting York’s military heritage and it should not be omitted from the conservation area.”