A CHARITY’S plans to transform an important Victorian building in Bradford have been rejected over concerns the “special character” of the Grade II-listed building could be harmed.

The proposals to turn the old Bradford Register Office in Manor Row into offices for disability charity Bradnet and prospective tenants the NHS were lodged with the council’s planning department in November.

Last April, it was announced the charity had completed a deal to buy the building from Bradford Council, with help from a £260,000 grant from the Lottery-funded trust Power to Change, which supports community businesses.

It also offered Bradnet up to £10,000 to help it develop its business plans.

The register office closed in October 2014 after council bosses decided it was surplus to requirements and moved the service into City Hall.

The authority had put the Grade II listed building up for sale for £600,000 and later put it up for auction. But Bradnet applied to have the building registered as an asset of community value, a process which allows community groups interested in buying buildings more time to get the funds together.

Its plans outlined the three-storey building would be turned into offices, boardrooms, reception spaces, administration facilities, kitchens, training rooms, bathrooms and an NHS ‘wellbeing’ cafe.

But planning chiefs have put the brakes on the plans and have asked for more information to be given.

Jon Ackroyd, Bradford Council’s conservation officer, said the building “makes a key contribution to the character of the city centre conservation area” with a “bold and significant” architectural presence.

He said: “The submitted heritage statement offers little substance on the impact of the proposals, or appraisal of the merits of the building and its interiors.

“Whilst some compromises may be necessary to ensure a sustainable future for the building, its interior finishes are of sufficient quality to require more comprehensive information to permit proper assessment of the impact of the proposals.”

The planning officer’s report outlined: “There is no objection to the proposed change of use, with the office use consistent with the current use of the building.The expansion of activities raises no greater concern and a viable use for the building will serve to ensure a sustainable future for the building.”

However, it says: “The application as submitted provides insufficient information to enable its proper consideration by the Local Planning Authority. In particular, there is inadequate information and detail on the existing historic fabric of the building and the proposal does not therefore accurately demonstrate that the works will would not have any adverse effect on the special architectural or historic interest of the building.”

Asif Hussain, the charity’s chief executive, said plans for the building remain on track, but architects are going to provide some more information in line with planning officer's recommendation.