The demolition of a village vicarage has been stopped after Bradford Council officers stepped in.

Demolition workers were at the disused vicarage in Cullingworth before officials visited the site to warn them the Council had not been been given the required 28 days notice.

The Bradford Church of England Diocese had previously applied for planning permission to demolish the building and replace it with two new houses, but has withdrawn the application.

A diocese spokesman said the decision to demolish the building had been approved by the Council and had been made on safety grounds.

She said the diocese had been trying for some time to provide suitable accommodation for a parish priest in Cullingworth.

She said: “It is only now, as the demolition commenced, that the experienced firm of contractors has been advised that additional processes have to be undertaken.”

In an open letter to the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David James, Councillor Simon Cooke said: “At present I find it difficult to conclude the Church was motivated by anything other than a desire to realise the greatest return from the disposal and/or development of the vicarage or the site on which it stands.”

Ian Wilson, the Council’s planning casework manager, said planning permission was not required for the demolition. He said: “However, the developers do need to notify us as the planning authority of their intention to demolish at least 28 days before they start. Although they had not complied with the planning process, they had notified Building Control.”

John Coultous, chairman of Cullingworth Parish Council, said: “The vicarage could have been converted into two dwellings, giving the vicar a small house, and one for sale, the proceeds of which would pay for the renovation.”