Mowbray Arms in Manningham to be revitalised in shop and flats plan

The fire-damaged former public house the Mowbray Arms in Lily Street, Manningham, has stood empty and dilapidated for years, and was damaged by fire three years ago.

It previously had planning permission to turn it into seven flats and was put up for sale last year for £115,000, but the fresh application will see it brought back into use in a slightly different way.

After being approved at a planning meeting last week, it means work to turn the building into a retail unit and three first floor flats can now go ahead.

The owner, Muhammad Sadiq, plans to turn the ground floor into a shop area, with a ramp to provide disabled access, new signage to the front to replace the old, damaged signs, and new double doors from the car park.

Mr Sadiq said he will be retaining the doors and windows to try and keep the appearance of the historic pub the same as in its heyday, as the pub sits in a conservation area.

The sign from the Mowbray Arms past life as a pub

Upstairs three one-bedroom flats will be created, each served by a single parking space, with the remainder of the car park to be used by the shop customers.

The layout would be comprised of one larger flat running the length of the building and half its width, with a separate kitchen/dining room, living room and bedroom with a toilet and shower room.

The other two, smaller apartments, will comprise of small open plans kitchen and living areas with shower and toilet rooms and a bedroom each.

In the plans for the flats, it appears the bedrooms in these flats would only be big enough to house single beds.

In the application, Mr Sadiq said: “The proposal would enhance the area by restoring the existing fine Victoria building and enhancing the general streetscape of the Conservation Area, whilst removing anti-social behaviour and forming much needed quality flats to the area.”

The building has been a target for vandals in the past due to its derelict and abandoned state, and Mr Sadiq said he wants to being renovating the building immediately.

He added: “Considering the delays, continued deterioration of the building and anti social behaviour it attracts this could be the last opportunity to save the building from further irreparable damage.”

Highways officers had no objection to the plans, but said that before it can be brought into use the parking area, which has become unkempt, overgrown and damaged over the years must be relaid, sealed and drained.

Conservation officer Simon Hinchliffe added: “The property is currently in a dilapidated condition detrimental to the character and setting of the area.

“Finding a sympathetic new use for this building is key to retaining its historic and architectural character.

“Overall the proposals will have a positive impact by bringing a neglected property back into use.

“There will be no negative impact on the character or setting of the St Pauls Conservation Area.”

In approving the plans, Bradford Council said the car park must have an electric vehicle charging point installed and clearly signposted, and the retail unit may only operate between 6am and 10pm.