READERS might like to know that there are several things that have to happen before plans can be approved to demolish The Poacher pub and replace it with flats (October 13).

First of all, the Poacher is situated within the Acomb Conservation Area. In a conservation area, there is a presumption in favour of retaining buildings which make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of the area.

The pub is undeniably a handsome building, purpose-built around 1900, in a recognisable architectural style of its time.

It is very little altered outside, and, amazingly, in its yard, a three-stall stable survives, with partitions intact and loft above, and dog kennel beneath the loft stairs.

The tradition of inn-keeping on this site goes far back into the history of Acomb. During the course of the last century, the pub provided the base for many sporting activities in the village.

It will be hard to argue that this building does not make a handsome contribution to the streetscape of Front Street and that it is not an integral part of the village community.

If, against the odds, the pub owners can make a credible case for demolition, they are still required to give reasons justifying their proposal. They would have to prove that its present use is no longer economic. It is hard to see how this justification could be made to stick when your article quotes a director of the company saying that if the current tenant had not given in his notice, they "could have carried on with the pub".

People who would not like to see The Poacher replaced by a block of flats are urged to write to the city council planning department at 9 St Leonard's Place, York YO1 7ET, saying so.

Alison Sinclair,

Chair,

Conservation Areas Advisory Panel,

Norfolk Street, York.

Updated: 09:58 Monday, October 18, 2004