THE status of Bradford's historic Playhouse theatre as a community asset is under review after an appeal by the liquidator which was responsible for the building.

In June, the Friends of the Bradford Playhouse group submitted an emergency application to Bradford Council as the theatre was being put up for auction the following month.

Despite the successful application, which imposes a moratorium on the sale of the property with the owner required to notify the Council of their intention to sell the property, the Playhouse was sold in July to theatre enthusiast Colin Fine in an effort to secure its future.

There are certain exemptions, such as where the new owner will continue the same business.

But now it has emerged that the liquidator, Cleckheaton firm Clough & Co, has requested a review of the Council decision to add the Playhouse to the community asset list, and it is expected to apply for compensation too.

The Council is now in correspondence with the liquidator about the review.

A spokesman for the Council, said: "If the owner objects to the asset being listed, they have a right of internal review by the Council and a subsequent right of appeal to an independent tribunal.

"In addition, private property owners (not public bodies) may claim compensation for loss and expense incurred through the asset being listed.

"Local authorities are responsible for administering the compensation scheme.

"The liquidator of the Priestley Centre for the Arts [now known as the New Bradford Playhouse] applied for the decision to list the property to be reviewed and has indicated he will be making an application for compensation."

The venue went into liquidation in 2011 with debts of about £300,000.

Jono and Clare Gadsby, of Takeover Events, took control of the New Bradford Playhouse in 2012 and had wanted to buy the building themselves.

Since the sale to Mr Fine in July, they have continued to run the theatre and have ambitious plans in place to further develop it.

Throughout its history the theatre, originally the Bradford Civic, has survived off-stage dramas including financial struggles, fires and temporary closures.

When he bought the theatre, Mr Fine, a retired IT worker, said: “I hope it goes on being a theatre for years to come, and as long as it is I hope to support it.

"As well as being passionate about the theatre, I am interested in local history and the buildings of Bradford. To be able to play a significant part in preserving something is something I am really pleased to be able to do.”

Clough & Co did not want to comment about its decision to seek the review when contacted by the Telegraph & Argus.