THIS picture captures the last hours of a York landmark building as a mechanical digger moves in to clear the way for a block of flats.

Burton Croft, the former home of renowned conservationist John Bowes Morrell, is expected to be reduced to rubble by the beginning of next week.

The only evidence of the historic building's existence will be a small commemorative plaque paid for by the developers, who plan to put 22 modern homes in its place.

Campaigners, who fought the demolition proposals down to the wire, said losing the building was a "sad day" for the city.

Philip Thake, chief executive of York Conservation Trust, said it was shame many people did not know the building in its heyday when it was an attractive estate.

He said: "I'm very sad about this. I think the building had an important place in Burton Stone Lane. It was a focal point for that area. There are no other buildings like that left there now.

"It's very much the associations of the building. JB Morrell was probably the greatest benefactor this city has ever had. Those are not my words, but the words of others when he was given freedom of the city.

"I feel very strongly about this but, at the end of the day, I'm very philosophical that we go on now and work to preserve other historical buildings in York for residents."

Residents have fought over the future of the building since it was closed as a BUPA nursing home more three years ago, and plans were unveiled to replace it with housing.

The building was boarded up and became a focal point for local youths, before squatters moved in briefly in July 2003.

Later that month armed police surrounded the property when a toy gun, believed to be real, was found by a security guard inside. The squatters were found to have left several days earlier.

Clifton architect Philip Crowe said: "We do feel that with more effort it could have been saved, but we now have to accept that this was not to be, despite representations to not just the council, but the Government as well.

"This is becoming more and more of an issue in York where older buildings are being put at risk by developers. We can't afford to lose many more."

Les Marsh, of Clifton Planning Panel, hit out at developer Barratt York Ltd, which said that the structure could not be saved because it was unsuitable for any conversion.

He said: "We fought this right from the beginning. I did a lot of research into its history to try and get it listed, but this was unsuccessful.

"It is sad that builders who have a great deal of involvement in York and are making a hell of a lot of profit from York could not understand the need to keep this little bit of history."

A spokeswoman for Barratt York said the company was consulting with York Conservation Trust on plans to place a plaque within the new development.

She said: "John Bowes Morrell has made a significant contribution to the development of York and a plaque is just one of many ways in which the people of York can remember him.

"Burton Croft has been the centre of much controversy, but we have worked with the city planners to ensure that the new development will provide much-needed housing.

"There is a real and growing demand from young professionals in the city of York who want to get on to the property ladder.

"Burton Court is in a good location close to the city centre and will help to meet this demand."

Updated: 10:18 Saturday, January 22, 2005