A national heritage expert claimed ugly 1960s buildings in the city centre should be bulldozed to make way for a multi-million pound shopping development.

Dr Roger Wools said the "banana-shaped" Petergate shop and office block spoilt ten magnificent listed buildings.

He told a public inquiry that the city's heritage was being impaired by the "podium blocks".

He said: "I consider that the scheme as set out in the compulsory purchase order will remove a group of existing buildings which make a significantly detrimental impact on the townscape and on adjacent listed buildings and the three conservation areas."

But he added the proposed Broadway shopping scheme would preserve and enhance the city's magnificent Victorian buildings.

The inquiry is into Bradford Council's decision to serve Compulsory Purchase notices on Petergate and other 1960s buildings in the heart of the city.

The owners of Petergate, London and Associated Properties, are among objectors to the CPOs.

Dr Wools, who was commissioned by Bradford Council to give his views for the proposed development, said there was a marked contrast between the Victorian city and the buildings of "podium blocks and high rise slab blocks".

He added: "I conclude that the 1960s buildings on the site provide a substantially negative contribution to the character and appearance of the settings of the conservation areas.

"In design terms they have little regard to the Victorian traditions of the city. I have no hesitation in my view that the 1960s development causes harm to the historic fabric of the city including the settings of listed buildings."

Dr Wools said the proposed development would include two civic squares of "significant character and interest".

He pointed out that the contemporary shopping scheme would have a quality architecture and materials similar to the heritage buildings.

Dr Wools told the inquiry that the Grade One-listed Wool Exchange and National Westminster Bank were among historic buildings affected by 1960s structures.

"There are substantial positive benefits to the demolition of the buildings. The character of the city is marred by the tall blocks."

The inquiry is expected to last for a further eight days with evidence to be given by the developers and objectors.

The shopping scheme would include vast malls and shopping giants Debenhams are expected to move into a department store.

There would also be a cinema and extensive parking.