A RETROSPECTIVE application to demolish Wibsey Park Lodge and build four houses in its place has been met with a swell of public opinion.

The application was submitted to Bradford Council last week - a number of weeks after the lodge was razed to the ground.

The building was sold at auction in September, and last month work to tear down the building began, leading to a huge outcry from the public.

Council officers intervened and let the owners know that before work could continue they would need planning permission to demolish the building.

An application has now been submitted by a Mr N Rahim for the retrospective demolition of the building and the construction of four, three-bed semi detached houses.

But local residents are up in arms over the debacle and have taken to the planning application to share their frustration about what has happened.

At a meeting of the full Council on December 11, Councillor Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) raised the issue. It transpired that a planning application had been submitted two weeks previously, but was done incorrectly.

Benny Goinar wrote: “Work should have never commenced. Such a shame to demolish this beautiful house. The work will be a complete eyesore to the entire community and park.

“The original building should be rebuilt and maintained.”

Joanne Aveyard lodged an objection, stating she was “absolutely disgusted” by what had happened.

While Darren Grayshon wrote: “Pulling down a landmark in the park, utter disgrace to not have consulted anyone about demolition.

“Retrospective is the new buzz word in building.

“The house should be rebuilt, nobody wants to see new houses where such a stunning building once stood.The house should be rebuilt at the cost of this applicant.”

And Linda Martindale slammed it as “disgraceful”.

“Not thought through thoroughly,” she wrote. “Obviously someone who has no respect for the local neighbourhood and the history of such a well loved park.”

But a number of comments in support of the plans have also been left.

Hasan Khan wrote: “The owner has full right to do what is best for him.

“A technical breach on planning doesn’t mean he was wrong - he could have still demolished the building with a planning application as it wasn’t listed and was in disrepair.”

He added: “There are too many busy bodies trying to hinder progress in Wibsey.

“I commend this person for making the place better and it will be good to see some decent housing overlooking the park. Well done.”

While Paul Cummins said: “I am a regular visitor to the park and can fully understand the poor state of the building and the reason for the owner in demolishing it.

“It would be nice to have properties being replaced on the site and will add to a better environment.”

And Stephen Addison wrote: “I hope the site gets cleared and the plans for houses are approved. It will look good and will improve the area.”