MOVES to create an X-list of the nation's "most vile buildings" could signal the death sentence for eyesores such as York's much-criticised Stonebow House.

George Ferguson, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, is calling for action to be taken to enable bulldozers to demolish buildings which blight their surroundings.

The proposal to create a Grade X listing would act as a counterbalance to the existing Grade I and II awards given to properties of significant cultural and architectural interest.

Under the proposal, planning permission for a change of use would be denied for an X-listed building in an effort to shorten its lifespan.

A pot of money would also be created to help fund the demolition of a building - or pay for radical improvement.

"They could earn their way off the list," he said.

Mr Ferguson has taken his idea to government ministers, and is confident of support.

"It is a proposal at this stage. But I have talked to ministers and others about it and there's considerable interest."

Speaking from Sienna, Italy, during his "search for beautiful places" in Europe, Mr Ferguson said that Stonebow House, within York's city walls and a stone's throw from the Minster, seemed "a likely candidate" for the X-list.

"We did make some terrible mistakes," he said.

However, he said: "I love York. It is a beautiful place. I love the way it has that dramatic change of scale between the tight little streets which then burst out on to the Minster.

"I think that is part of the magic of the place.

"This X-listing is about my desire to contribute much more to making such beautiful places. One of the things that destroys the opportunity of doing this is some of the buildings we are stuck with. If we removed them, it would greatly enhance places."

He is keen for local people to play a part in compiling lists along with the experts.

John Bowes Morrell, of York Conservation Trust, who takes his name from his grandfather - the renowned conservationist - said Stonebow House was "a most horrendous building, absolutely terrible".

"It is so ugly. In York, there are so many lovely buildings and then you have something like that. It doesn't fit in at all. I would like to see it knocked down."

He also described a nearby elephone exchange as "pretty horrendous".

Updated: 08:18 Wednesday, August 18, 2004