CLAIMS that advertising banners needed to be placed over the majority of windows of a listed Bradford building to deter vandalism and fly-tippers have been questioned by Conservation officers.
A retrospective planning application to retain a number of large adverts that completely cover the ground floor windows of the Grade II listed former Great Horton Library has been refused by planning officers, who say the banners “significantly detract” from the 1912 building.
The former has been empty for a number of years, but in 2020 an application to create a “private event venue for photography, art and media students to use to develop their studies” was approved by Bradford Council.
In Spring 2021 a number of additions were made to the building without planning permission, including the installation of CCTV cameras, lighting and the large banners – which advertise a company called Uneek Homes.
A retrospective planning application to keep all these additions was submitted by Soifur Siddiqui last year. Explaining why the protected building is now adorned in adverts, the application says: “We have had banners installed at each window to protect the building’s exterior to prevent vandalism occurring as we have public pathway to the front and right side of the building.
“Our proposal is to bring this heritage building back into use and to keep it protected. Since installing the external lights, banners and security cameras the reporting of crime has decreased.
“Our proposal ensures that this existing redundant building which was in bad condition is brought back into use with absolute minimum changes. So the installation of external lights, security cameras and banners was mandatory to protect the building.”
However, Council Conservation Officer Jon Ackroyd questioned the reasoning behind the banners.
He said: “Both main elevations of the building have been smothered with banners, covering all of the ground floor windows.
“It is suggested that the banners have been installed to prevent window breakages, although no direct evidence is provided to justify this statement.
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“It outwardly appears that the banners are advertisements for a suite of businesses. They obstruct all of the ground floor windows and significantly detract from the architectural cohesion and visual amenity of the building.
“There is no evidence that they are required for security, and they cause appreciable visual harm. That harm is not offset by any obvious public benefit. Other measures such as protective clear vinyl could be used to protect the windows if there is a justifiable risk of damage.
“The cameras are small and mounted high on the elevations.
“One would assume that these would provide proof of anti-social behaviour such that visually incongruous additions like the banners are not necessary.”
The retrospective application has now been refused.
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