Heritage buildings are a 'unique selling point' for Bradford

A section of Eccleshill became Bradford’s 60th Conservation at a meeting of Bradford Council’s Executive on Tuesday.

The newly-protected area of the suburb includes 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.

The designation will mean any changes to buildings in the Conservation Area will be given extra scrutiny – and works that will drastically change their appearance would likely be blocked.

Trees in the Conservation Area boundary would also have more protection.

There have been calls for a Conservation Area in Eccleshill for years, and two years ago a petition signed by 170 local residents on the issue was presented to Bradford Council.

Since then there has been a consultation on the plans with residents and businesses in which there was support for the changes.

Eccleshill Conservation Area (Image: T&A)

A report presented to the Executive said: “The area under consideration covers much of the extent of the area developed by the end of the 19th century, as shown on the 1894 Ordnance Survey map.

“These areas 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.”

At Tuesday’s meeting Councillor Alex Ross Shaw, Executive for Regeneration, Planning and Development, said: “Bradford’s heritage is a huge part of our identity.

“It is our unique selling point, and played a big role in us getting City of Culture. It is also a big part of how we see ourselves.

“We have to look after our buildings and prevent inappropriate redevelopment. Conservation Areas play a day to day role in protecting our buildings.

“We have a small Conservation Area in Wrose and you can see how that has helped protect heritage buildings.”

Eccleshill Councillor Ian Parsons (Labour) thanked all the residents of Eccleshill who helped bring the Conservation Area to pass, as well as other local Councillors and Council officers.