An eyesore property in the heart of Idle is flying in the face of conservation rules, says a leading Bradford councillor.

The part-finished redevelopment at the top of The Green, which once held a chemist shop beside a butcher’s, was bought and half-converted five years ago, according to councillor Jeanette Sunderland.

“The right-hand side was converted into a home in 2007 but the work was never finished,” she said.

“It’s a prominent building in the heart of the conservation area in Idle and it is simply unacceptable the Council has various options open to it under planning and housing law but simply does nothing,” said Coun Sunderland (Idle and Thackley, LibDem).

“While the council is selling off land all over the place there are lots of properties like this across the district where people could live.

“In Idle it’s just this sort of thing which makes the place look run down and unattractive.

“We already have a problem with too many takeaways. It’s an eyesore and the sort of thing that could kill the village.

“The enforcement team are quick to take action against other owners of conservation properties but for some reason has failed on this one.

“I’ve asked that a plan is produced to bring the property into use.

“Across Idle and Thackley residents are fighting plans to develop hundreds of houses on the green spaces of Simpson Green, Gates and Thackley but cannot understand why the Council does not bring empty properties, such as this one that blights the area, back into use,” said Lib Dem leader Coun Sunderland.

Idle resident Malcom Carr said he had struggled to understand the rules regarding life in a conservation area.

“I wanted to replace some of the windows in my house in Hampton Place and approached the council for advice.

“I was told I could only use proper hardwood to replace the pitch pine frames.

“But after doing that I noticed other people just sticking in UPVC frames and the council doesn’t say boo to a goose about it,” said health-care manager Mr Carr.

“And it’s like that with the old chemist’s at the top of The Green. I’m disappointed the rules of conservation don’t always apply,” he said.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said it was liaising with the owner of number 18-20 The Green to try and solve the problem.

David Shepherd, Bradford Council’s Assistant Director for Housing, Employment and Skills, said: “We have been in discussion with the owner of this building with a view to ensuring the renovation of the property is completed as soon as possible.”