NEW buildings and developments in Lancaster are ruining the city's architectural heritage, claims a local artist.

Geoff Woodhead of St George's Quay says many of the new buildings in the city are not in keeping with the historic skyline.

The new cinema, the new Green Ayre pub and housing developments close to the Quayside have come in for particular criticism from the local artist.

"I've just been to France where they cherish old buildings and ensure any development in a historic city is carried out as sympathetically as possible," said Mr Woodhead.

"Then I return home to see rendered buildings in an historic riverside location and one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen dominating the approach to the city as you drive up North Road. It looks like a prison but I'm told it's going to be a pub. I thought the city council wanted to improve the look of the city? I though the Civic Society was supposed to speak out about this sort of thing? Are there not regulations about only using traditional materials during construction? They would not get away with buildings like this in Chester or York. It seems to me that they'll let anyone build anything they want."

Mr Woodhead, who was also a vocal opponent of the Millennium Bridge, is also upset that there are plans in place to develop the old Pye Mill at the end of the Quay, which he claims has historically been a public right of way.

He added: "Old public rights of way should be kept for future generations to use. What angers and upsets me is that the local authority can insist on changes to building design and construction but they appear to be showing no regard to the way these buildings are impacting on the city's architectural heritage. It's a shame because once they are built we're stuck with them."

What do you think of these new buildings? Are they in keeping with Lancaster's historic past or should we move with the times and develop modern buildings? Write to us with your views.