Philip Thake, chief executive of York Conservation Trust, laments the loss of yet another York landmark.

I have just returned from holiday to read the dreadful news that the city's planning committee has approved the demolition of Burton Croft.

I am amazed that such an emotive and controversial decision has been made at the height of the holiday season when many interested parties and some committee members are away from York.

It has been suggested to me that had the full committee been at the meeting the decision would have gone the other way. I am also surprised by Coun Richard Moore's casting vote which is contrary to his statement to me at the committee viewing of Burton Croft on July 7 when he said: "It would be a shame to demolish this Burton Croft wouldn't it?"

I find it incredible that a Liberal Democrat councillor can vote for the demolition of the home of probably the most active and dedicated Liberal Councillor of all time, Dr John Bowes Morrell. This issue is clouded in mystery.

Why was this application rushed through when other minor issues often take so much longer?

Why the sudden about-turn by the planning committee? I do not see this happening with the on-street parking controversy which still rumbles on.

Why does it take so long to devise a local list of buildings for preservation which was suggested by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and is actively pursued in other cities?

Why was the conservation area stopped only a few metres from the Burton Croft boundary, the main open space in the Burton Stone Lane area?

York Conservation Trust offered to buy Burton Croft from Barratt and allow them to develop the remainder of the site, but this was not profitable enough for such a large organisation.

Is there no room in life any more for sentiment?

Is life simply about money?

Who now runs the city, the council or the large developers and other conglomerates?

If people do not fight back with the support of our council then, apart from our ancient monuments, the city of greater York will lose much of its heritage and all its historical character.

To say the Morrell family, who still contribute substantial funds to this city and the university, are upset by this decision is an understatement.

We have received a great deal of support from many York people, including Archbishop of York David Hope, Sir Donald Barron, Professor Sir Ron Cooke, Hugh Bayley MP, Councillor Steve Galloway, Peter Addyman, to name a few, particularly in our quest to have Burton Croft listed on the grounds of Dr JB Morrell being a figure of national importance.

Unfortunately, and typically, the powers-that-be in London only consider him to have been of local importance.

They read his history very carefully.

Other than my final plea to the chairman of Barratt it appears nothing further can be done to save this landmark.

However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Evening Press and all those in York - too numerous to mention - who have given their considerable support and efforts in trying to save Burton Croft.

Thank you very much.

We shall continue to fight to save other buildings of importance.

Updated: 09:50 Wednesday, August 25, 2004