District's new conservation area set for go-ahead

Parts of Eccleshill, including the Recreation Ground, are set to become a conservation area

Part of Bradford is to be named as the district's latest conservation area in a bid to preserve its "unique character".

Officers at Bradford Council have recommended the special designation for a small area focused around Stony Lane, Stone Hall Road and Moorside Road in Eccleshill.

The authority's executive is expected to approve the new conservation area - the 60th in the Bradford district - at a meeting on 5 November.

Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said the designation came following requests from local residents and a consultation.

Ross-Shaw said: “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.

“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."

'Sense of place'

A Bradford Council spokesperson said conservation areas existed to protect and manage the "unique character" of a place.

Stricter planning rules may apply in such areas to help preserve heritage.

Ross-Shaw said the part of Eccleshill set to become a conservation area, which included the Recreation Ground, was generally considered to be the oldest part of the former village.

"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", he said.

“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.”

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