Eccleshill Conservation Area will be the 60th in Bradford

The oldest areas of Eccleshill are likely to be awarded the new distinction next week, meaning they will be better protected from inappropriate development.

It comes after a petition signed by 170 local residents calling for the establishment of an Eccleshill Conservation Area was presented to Bradford Council two years ago.

Since then there has been a consultation on the plans with residents and businesses, and on Tuesday the designation will be decided by Bradford Council’s Executive.

The area will include Stony Lane, Stone Hall Road, and Moorside Road, including Eccleshill Recreation Ground. Buildings like the Eccleshill Mechanics Institute and the Ukrainian Church will be included.

Eccleshill (Image: T&A)

A report to the Executive says: “Parts of Eccleshill have been identified as having sufficient special architectural and historic interest to warrant designation as a Conservation Area.

"Local residents have been consulted and the consultation has resulted in positive support within the community for the designation of a Conservation Area.

“This means that planning applications submitted in the area must show that they preserve or enhance its special character. Designation also gives the Council control over demolition of buildings and strengthens control over minor developments.”

The Stony Lane area of Eccleshill (Image: T&A)

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “While Bradford is embracing the future with many exciting transformation and regeneration projects, we are also committed to preserving and celebrating our rich heritage and it plays a central role in much of our regeneration programme.

Eccleshill (Image: T&A)

“We are lucky to live in a district full of historic buildings, impressive architecture and great character and we want to protect them for future generations.

"We are also the only West Yorkshire council with a World Heritage Site, at Saltaire.

“We are pleased to support this designation in Eccleshill following requests from local people and consultation on the plans which received support.

"The area looking to become a conservation area are generally considered to be the oldest parts of the village and have the most consistent historic character.

"This area includes a variety of buildings, including former farmhouses and cottages which are good examples of past local building techniques and materials as well as later Victorian and Edwardian buildings which provide a record of a time of increased prosperity, industrial development, and population growth.

“There are a number of listed buildings, such as the Mechanics Institute, however there are also many unlisted buildings which contribute to the character of the area and its sense of place.”