A CAMPAIGN to save a landmark ex-school in Eccleshill has won the backing of an MP.

Imran Hussain, who represents the Bradford East ward, wrote to developer Gregory Property Group in an effort to stop the firm demolishing the former Hutton Middle School, where world famous artist David Hockney attended.

The company has permission from Bradford Council to knock the Victorian building down and put 29 houses on the site.

Lead campaigner Andy Chilton is not against a development, but wants Gregory group to integrate the former school into anything it builds.

Mr Hussain said: "I have written to the developers of Hutton Middle School to ask for a meeting with them to discuss further with them their plans to demolish the school. I have made it clear to them that I wish to dissuade them from their plans and that I want to work with them to develop alternative plans for the site that leaves this historic building intact.

"I have been approached by concerned residents in Eccleshill, from various groups and individuals, including Eccleshill Village Steering Group and the Victorian Society, all of whom are appalled at the prospect of this important building being demolished.

"I recognise that there is a housing need in the area, but feel that this need can be met without demolishing Hutton School. A number of viable alternatives remain open, indeed counter proposals were made to convert the existing building into apartments and still build several new houses on the rest of the site.

"I am hopeful that the developers will agree with me that the concerns of local people should be listened to and acted upon."

Mr Chilton said: "I believe any developer should take a moral and longer term view, respecting the heritage of any community which would pay dividends in the longer term. A fast buck now, in exchange for a negative reputation might cost them dear in the longer term. Eccleshill village will be far less for not having the school building as part of its streetscape. The law, not sense, has permitted this decision.

"This said, I still would very much like to see a positive outcome for both the school/Eccleshill and Gregorys – that win-win is still possible. I hope Imran Hussain is successful in persuading them to do what is right; conversion and additional dwellings is possible.

"There is a developer already lined up to do this – a shame really that the law extends to protect the rights of one developer whose idea is to destroy rather than one who wants to conserve a heritage asset."

A spokesman for Gregory Property Group said: "When drawing up plans for the site Gregory Property Group did carefully consider many options, including possible retention of the former school building.

"This option was not feasible given the overall ambition, shared by the Council, to maximise family housing provision on the site."