THE famous Terry's factory buildings have been saved as a key York landmark for the 21st century.

The Government has listed five older buildings, including the distinctive clock tower and offices, effectively protecting them from demolition after the factory closes later this year.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) granted the Grade II listing after York conservationist Alison Sinclair asked it to consider the buildings last summer. She included Evening Press photos of the factory exterior and interior in her submission, and inspectors subsequently visited the factory.

Now she has received a letter from DCMS saying that, after carefully considering advice from English Heritage, Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State, had decided to list the building as one of special architectural or historic interest.

"The buildings have a strong historic interest, representing the most complete surviving expression of the importance of the confectionery business in York, and confirming, on a national scale, York's high status in this business," said a spokeswoman.

Alison chairs York's Conservation Area Advisory Panel, but said she applied as an individual.

She said: "It's very important these buildings have been listed. It effectively means they cannot be demolished.

"They are conspicuous and distinctive buildings, especially for people approaching York from Bishopthorpe and from Knavesmire, and are well known to thousands of people who come to the races in York. They are an important part of the city's heritage."

A Terry's spokesman said today that the listing decision was "no surprise", and had been taken into account during consultations with its advisers and City of York Council over the future of the site.

"It was very much part of our expectations," said the spokesman.

He said heritage aspects were being taken into account as much as economic considerations during consultations, adding that there was no news as yet as to what was going to happen to the site after the factory closes.

A council spokesman was unavailable for comment.

Bill Woolley, acting director of environment and development services at City of York Council, said: "The council is preparing a planning brief which will create a framework for future use of the site which will have regard to the recent 'listing' of a number of older buildings and structures on the site to ensure that they are safeguarded. The council's executive would like the employment opportunities that existed there before to continue, although it may consider a mixed use of the site."

Updated: 10:04 Thursday, March 10, 2005