A CONSERVATION watchdog plans to create a digital database of York’s great views to help prevent them being blocked by developments and street clutter.

York Civic Trust’s annual report says there are some favourite views in and around the city which simply make people catch their breath – for example, the West Front of the Minster from the junction of Duncombe Place and Blake Street.

But it argues that scenes can easily be destroyed or lost by inappropriate development and clutter, and claims two examples spring to mind: the Travelodge in Piccadilly, which has blocked a long view of the Minster from the City Walls and A19, and a new extension at York St John University, which has obscured a “superb” view of the cathedral from Clarence Street.

“It would be good to have a philosophy, backed by formal policy, as is the case in many cities in France, where the idea of spoiling an important view would not even be contemplated, let alone put forward as a proposal,” said the report.

It claims that some years ago in York there was a “rule of thumb” agreement between city engineers and planners that if a traffic sign was needed but the proposed location spoilt an existing view, another location would be found.

But council staff changes were now so frequent that people with long memories and a deep understanding of the streetscape were being lost.

“It seems sensible therefore to compile a digital database of York views, both long and short, which will be of use to planners and developers,” it says.

“It will include not only those that need protecting, but those that can be enhanced by removal of inappropriate signage, street furniture and clutter.”

The trust is suggesting members can help by nominating contenders for the database and emailing images to yorkcivictrust@btconnect.com .

The trust report concludes: “They need not necessarily be the great major views, because even streetscapes of lesser buildings by their very own composition and context can give much pleasure, as can some private gardens, when seen from public spaces like the City Walls.”