AN application to turn office space in a Gothic city centre building into flats has been refused.

2 North Parade is a Grade II listed building in the Top of Town area of the city centre.

There is an empty shop unit on the ground floor, with office space above it.

Piccadilly Properties applied for permission to convert the first floor into two, one bed flats.

But Bradford Council has now refused the application.

Planning officers said that while the flats were an acceptable size, the plans did not include enough detail for the Council to be confident that the work would not harm the listed building.

Officers said: "No heritage statement has been provided within the application submission.

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"During the application, attempts where undertaken to engage the agent regarding the requirement for a heritage statement to accompany the planning application; however, no heritage statement has been provided during the application.

"The heritage statement would include information regarding the alterations and removal of the internal fabric of the listed building that will enable the first floor to be converted into two flats.

"Due to the limited information provided regarding the alterations and internal alterations to the listed building, the Local Planning Authority is not convinced the proposed change of use from office to residential would result in no significant harm to the character of the listed building."

Describing the building, Conservation Officer Jon Ackroyd said: "The building has attractive Gothic detailing with a corner oriel window and mullioned and transomed windows."