THE former HMRC building in Shipley could become "immune from listing."

Historic England has been asked to consider whether to grant a "certificate of immunity from listing" to the building, on Salts Mill Road.

If granted, it would mean the unique building could not become listed, making it easier for its owners to demolish the office block.

In November 2015, HMRC announced its offices in Bradford and Shipley would close in 2020, with staff being moved to a new hub in Leeds. The building is now vacant, and was put on the market in May as a potential development site.

Veronica Fiorato, Listing Team Leader in the North for Historic England, said: “We have received an application requesting us to consider the HMRC building in Shipley for a Certificate of Immunity and this is currently under assessment. This building has not been assessed for listing before.”

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The heritage body added: "The application seeks to provide clarity for the owners to inform developing proposals for the site, which is now redundant."

The office building was constructed in the 1970s, and is on the edge of the World Heritage site of Saltaire.

Although not a traditionally beautiful building like many of the District's other listed buildings, there has been a push in recent years for more modern buildings with striking architectural styles to become listed.