A YORK architect says a proposed new development is in danger of destroying one of the city's "most unique" streets.

Moray Mackay, an architect who lives in St Mary's, off Bootham, was speaking on behalf of a conservation group in the street, which is protesting against plans to knock down a detached house and replace it with a four-storey block of flats.

The plans, submitted by York-based Hogg the Builder, propose knocking down the two-storey house at 34 St Mary's, and replacing it with a block of nine flats.

Mr Mackay said members of the St Mary's conservation group all felt "passionately" that the proposed building would ruin the street.

But planning officers have recommended that members of City of York Council's city centre area planning committee approve the scheme when they discuss it in a meeting on Thursday.

Mr Mackay said the proposed building was too large, estimating it was almost double the size of the existing building, and extended beyond lines of houses already in the street. Its scale would threaten bat and tawny owl habitats, he said.

Residents also feel the proposed block would bring more cars to an already narrow and often traffic-congested street.

Mr Mackay said: "The proposals are not sensitive to the preservation of the central conservation area, and will undermine current protection legislation.

"Without careful consideration, it will harm one of the most unique streets in central York - the contrast of urban scale and open vistas makes this a very special place.

"It will destroy the street and garden settings - and if allowed, it will start a precedent, slowly destroying the quality, character and fabric of York."

Moreen Belt, who lives opposite the planned new block, said: "It could be a lovely family home. It's such a small area for such an enormous block.

"We are feeling desperate and terribly sad about it."

Michael Flude, sales and marketing director for Hogg the Builder, said: "We've observed all the requests from the planning officers - which is why it's now going forward for approval."

An application to replace the same house with a five-storey block of 11 flats was withdrawn last year.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, June 28, 2004