PLANS to demolish a Grade II listed Bradford building have been refused after a flurry of objections from heritage groups.

The former Tank and Drums building on Bowling Back Lane dates back to the 1830s, and was part of the Bowling Iron Works site.

Last February the building, once known as Bowling House, was badly damaged in a fire.

An application by Leo Sawrij Ltd, owner since 2019, to demolish the building, was refused by Bradford Council last year.

This summer, a second application to flatten the structure was submitted, with the applicant saying the building has further deteriorated since the first application, as well as being subject to regular vandalism.

But planning officers have once again refused the application, pointing out little has been done to secure the building since the fire.

Council blocks plans to demolish listed mill building after history groups object

Objectors to the plans included Historic England, the Council for British Archaeology, the Georgian Group and Historic Buildings & Places, as well as the Council’s own Conservation officer.

The application had said: “The condition of the remains are such that the structure no longer meets the criteria for its Listed Building status.

“Left as it is, the building poses a serious health and safety risk to the public.”

The applicants said they had no plans for the site once the building is demolished.

The Georgian Group was among the heritage bodies objecting to the demolition.

The group said: “Bowling House offers an excellent opportunity for such a heritage-led regeneration initiative in an area where the historic environment must be considered ‘at risk’.”

Referring to the company’s application, planning officers at the Council said: “Among its assertions, it suggests that the condition of the building now results in it no longer meeting the criteria for listed status. This statement is fundamentally flawed.

“It fails to recognise that only a formal review of listed status with recommendation to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport can result in a decision on the listed status of a designated asset.

“It must be noted that no efforts have been made to protect this statutorily listed building since the first cause for concern early in 2021.

“In considering the total loss of significance of a heritage asset it must be borne in mind that such a decision is irreversible and must be in absolute last resort.

“It has not been demonstrated that other options for the retention and repair of this statutorily protected building have been considered, explored or costed."