Eccleshill was originally an independent township prior to being
subsumed by Bradford. It was independent as a thriving industrial
centre and the village prospered. Several very attractive heritage
properties exist, built between @1750 and @1900. Many of these are
close to the recreation ground and are in the village centre.
34 properties are Grade II listed (more than any other area in
Bradford apart from Saltaire or Little Germany) and these are
interspersed with additional UNLISTED, but equally as attractive
properties NOT listed, in and amongst those listed ones.
Over time, there has been some modification to these heritage
properties which is outside of the listed/heritage planning
regulations (e.g. use of wrong materials/designs for roofing,
windows, etc. as well as poorly designed extensions these heritage
properties) which causes what the authorities would call
‘damage’ to street-scene as well as the properties
themselves. Owners of these properties generally regard themselves
as privileged ‘custodians’ of a piece of history.
The location is very attractive and we, in Eccleshill are very
proud of / enjoy the history of these properties. Given the number
of heritage / listed properties, it is felt that - like Idle's and
Wrose's conservation area status – Eccleshill ought also be
designated Conservation Area (Certainly properties along Moorside
Road north section near Recreation ground, those on Stone Hall Road
of similar age to Moorwell Place and Stony Lane). A map outlining
the proposed area for Conservation Area status has been emailed to
Bradford Council’s Conservation team already. We understand
they are stretched but also feel that this is vitally important to
Eccleshill, and indeed Bradford’s heritage protection.
Not only will this protect these properties and act as a deterrent
to any future 'damage' (some of which is already subject to
Enforcement Team remedial action for any listed properties
affected), but it preserves and maintains a piece of important
history. Whilst the listed properties are protected to some degree,
legislatively, the other UNLISTED heritage properties are not and
there exists significant risk of future owners causing serious
negative impact if conservation status does not protect these
properties. We urge Bradford Council to commence the process of
assessment and designation of conservation status as soon as
possible.
Important: Any CURRENTLY UNLISTED properties (or where new owners
have bought properties) with e.g. UPVC windows should only be made
to reinstate appropriate materials/designs upon replacement of such
features. This is only fair given they have bought their properties
in good faith and not listed. It also allows for sensible
reinstatement of a form of these properties which befits, as close
as practicable, original design/state. Whether listed or not
– and considering conservation status, due consideration will
also, in future, need to be given to environmental performance of
heritage properties whilst maintaining the aesthetic. With this in
mind, there is no reason why anyone owning any of the negatively
affected properties should not also support the motion to award
Conservation Area status.
This ePetition ran from 28/04/2022 to 13/06/2022 and has now finished.
176 people signed this ePetition.