Works to demolish Wyke pub the Halfway House begin

A controversial application to demolish the vacant Halfway House on Huddersfield Road and build a garage and vehicle repair shop in its place was approved last year.

Work never started, and earlier this year a new application was submitted to demolish the pub building in Wyke, but to replace the proposed garage with four homes.

This application has now been approved by Bradford Council, with officers saying the housing would be a good use of the land.

The pub is in the process of being demolished (Image: Newsquest)When the Telegraph & Argus visited the site on Sunday morning, the pub's roof had been taken off.

Rubble sat between the walls which still featured some of the building's unique windows.

Posters of the past also remained with advertisements for drink offers and Premier League football broadcasting.

A large orange sign saying 'Terms agreed' covered The Halfway House post.

Rubble can be seen around the site (Image: Newsquest)More than 100 people had objected to the original plans for the garage when they were first submitted.

In comparison, the new application attracted just one public comment which supported the scheme and argued it would be a better option than a vehicle business.

The supporter said: “It is much more in keeping with the residential nature of the area and would enhance the appearance of the site instead of making it less attractive.”

Posters of the past still remain (Image: Newsquest)The new application describes the housing as “a sustainable housing extension to Wyke". 

It adds: “The building is currently vacant and in a dilapidated state, showing signs of vandalism and theft.

“The proposals provide high quality, family homes to meet local needs, in a sustainable location and will contribute to the housing supply in the local area.

Diggers are on the site (Image: Newsquest)“The site is located in an area with ample local conveniences, all within walking distance.

"Regular bus services and taxi services are close by, with good transport links to both Bradford and Brighouse.”

The houses will all be four-bedroom properties with off-street parking spaces, and EV charging points on each house.

Bradford Council says the housing would be a good use of the land (Image: Newsquest)Approving the scheme, planning officers referred to the need for housing development in Bradford.

They said: “There is an urgent need to increase the supply of housing land in the district.

“The construction of residential development would represent a sustainable approach to development close to existing infrastructure such as shops, other facilities and public transport.

“It appears the site can accommodate the proposed residential development of four dwellings that will sit comfortably within the street scene and site whilst not compromising the amenity of neighbouring occupants.”