COUNCILLORS today expressed regret that a decision was made to bulldoze a famous York property - when they were away from the city on holiday.

Green Party member Coun Andy D'Agorne was unaware controversial plans to knock down Burton Croft were being passed as he returned from a two-week trip to Canada.

His substitute would have been fellow Green councillor Mark Hill - but he was on a fortnight's cycling holiday in Europe.

Critics of the Burton Croft plans reckon a Green presence may have handed the former home of John Bowes Morrell a lifeline.

York Conservation Trust chief executive Philip Thake believes a crucial decision to build 22 luxury flats on the site should not have been made in the "height of the holiday season".

Mr Thake was also on holiday when the planning committee narrowly backed Barratt's plans. The casting vote was delivered by the committee chairman after four members voted for the scheme and four against.

Coun D'Agorne said: "It's very rare for myself and Mark to be away at the same time. There was one week when we were both away at the same time.

"Unfortunately neither of us were aware Burton Croft was going to that committee meeting - the committee papers came out when we were both away."

He said he was disappointed the Greens had not been able to potentially save the property but he said: "Whenever we go away we are going to miss some crucial meetings."

He said: "I was not at the meeting when the decision was made, so I do not know how I would have voted, but the outcome could have been different."

Coun D'Agorne said the timing of the meeting was "unfortunate". He was hopeful a compromise conversion of the Burton Stone Lane property could have been realised.

Mr Thake said he was "amazed" such an emotive and controversial decision was made when many interested parties and some committee members were away from York.

He said: "I do not think this would have been passed if the Green councillor had been there.

"This council owed it to the residents and all the people who have supported our campaign to hold a meeting when everyone is available."

City of York Council said representatives had several opportunities to state their views on Burton Croft. A spokeswoman added that it was common for some substitutes to be present at meetings and they would be expected to have a grasp of issues.

Updated: 10:09 Friday, August 27, 2004