AN MP is calling for a re-think on plans to flatten an old Council building and sell it off for housing.

Bradford Council wants to demolish its vacant Flockton House office, in Flockton Road, Bowling, and sell the land to a developer.

It has already secured permission to pull down the building, and its asset management team is now seeking outline planning consent for 30 homes on the site.

But local MP David Ward isn't happy with the idea, saying the building should be saved and converted into flats.

The building, at the junction of Flockton Road and Brompton Avenue, was formerly the Bolling High School for Girls.

The stone structure, built in the early 20th century, also lies next door to Grade I listed Bolling Hall.

Mr Ward said the building's history, its proximity to Bolling Hall and its construction from Yorkshire stone made it worth saving.

He said: "Just trying to sell it by getting planning permission for as many houses as possible and flogging the land seems to be a bit short-sighted."

The Council has already moved its staff out of the building and into Sir Henry Mitchell House - formerly called Mercury House - in Bradford city centre.

The move is part of the authority's 10-year Property Programme, a drive to tackle a huge maintenance backlog by selling off some Council buildings and using the cash to do up others.

The application for housing at the Flockton House site is recommended for approval at the Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee on Thursday.

But 40 people have written in to object, and planners have also been sent a 31-name petition calling for a re-think.

Mr Ward said many of these residents had also contacted him.

He said: "They are not really opposed to housing, they're not NIMBYs."

But he said they were concerned about the density of housing being suggested, and wondered if the existing building could be converted instead.

He said: "It certainly ought to be considered for a creative redevelopment rather than just knocking it all down and putting housing up."

English Heritage has been consulted about the Council's plan, and has not objected, although it has suggested more greenery could be planted on the boundary between the site and Bolling Hall.

The Regulatory and Appeals Committee meets on Thursday at 10am in City Hall.