PLANS for a major city centre development of over 160 flats is likely to be approved by Bradford Council.

However, the developer says it will not be able to contribute to any housing classed as “affordable,” which would normally expected for a development of this size, as there are “serious concerns” about the viability of the scheme.

Manor Row Place Developments submitted plans to build on a car park at Grammar School Street, on the junction of Hamm Strasse and Manor Row, in 2016.

The seven storey building would include 166 flats, a ground floor commercial unit and a car park for residents.

Since the plans were first submitted they have been altered a number of times, including a reduction in height so the development does not “compete architecturally” with the nearby Penny Bank building.

A decision on the plans will finally be made at the next meeting of Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee, and a planning officer’s report to the committee has recommended the plans for approval.

The application says the scheme, which also includes a roof garden for residents, will “provide a high quality development at this important gateway site.”

It adds: “These proposals also enhance the vitality of this part of the city centre and the overall design will be a positive catalyst in the redevelopment of this part of Bradford.”

The vehicle access would be via a new junction off Grammar School Street, towards its North Eastern end, with a second access closer to the existing junction with Manor Row.

Bradford Council normally requires developers behind projects of this size to contribute a sum of money towards an off site provision of “affordable” housing - social rented, affordable rented or intermediate housing.

But the developers have told the Council that this development would not be able to go ahead if they had to provide such a payment.

The planner’s report says: “A viability statement was submitted by the applicant, which contends that with the affordable housing contribution, the scheme would not be viable. In line with policy, the applicant’s viability statement has been independently assessed.

“The assessment raises serious concerns on the viability of the proposal.

“Therefore any requirement to provide a contribution towards affordable housing would render the application unviable. “Consequently, a contribution towards affordable housing is not being sought.”

A date for the meeting has yet to be set.