BRADFORD Council has pleaded for patience as it bids to secure the future of the oldest-known building in Manningham.

Earlier this year, residents urged the authority to take action over the state of the grade II-listed Old Manor House, on Rosebery Road, amid fears the building was in danger of falling down.

The property retains some original features dating back to the 16th century, and was identified in 2012 by Historic England as one of the five most at-risk grade-II buildings across Yorkshire and the Humberside.

In 2006, a proposal was granted allowing a retail unit to be built within the grounds of the property, but planning permission has lapsed and the council said it was “unlikely” to be supported should it be re-submitted.

Local campaigners have called for a compulsory purchase order to be made to allow the building to be restored as a community asset or museum.

The council admitted it was “very concerned” about the state of the building, and said it was looking at working with its owner to discuss all options to ensure its safety.

But, despite a recent meeting between council officers and Historic England, progress in developing plans for the site has been described as “slow”.

Councillor Val Slater, deputy leader of Bradford Council, said: “We understand the frustration with the time taken, but we can assure people that we are working with the owner and Historic England on the various options for this property.

“We are trying to establish what the true cost of renovating this property would be. We would ask for people to continue to be patient while we try to resolve this complex situation.

“We have already worked with a number of partners in the Heaton and Manningham ward to bring back in to use other empty properties, including working with Accent Housing on the St Catherine’s Hospital.”

In April, Craig McHugh, Heritage at Risk projects officer for Heritage England said it was likely any restoration project would run to “hundreds of thousands of pounds”.

He said yesterday: “We met with the council again recently to see what the options are.

“The costs to restore the building are substantial, probably more than either party had anticipated.

“But, there is a need for the owner to make the building safe until the market picks up, if he still views the building as a long-term investment.

“There are fewer sources of public subsidies for private owners, but the building is in an at-risk conservation area, so it is an option.

“There is still uncertainty as to what the owner wants to do with the building, which is a stumbling block.

“He was served with a repairs notice last year, but has not responded. We had hoped to meet him at the site for the last meeting, but he didn’t attend.

“We are moving forward, but it is a complex case, as these problem buildings always are.”