Bradford school site could be filled with housing

It comes amid an intensification of problems at the old Yorkshire Martyrs site, on Westgate Hill Street in Tong.

One incident in May led to serious injury, while it’s claimed bolt cutting equipment has been used to break into the premises.

The school pictured in 2019

The school closed its doors back in 2010 following a restructuring by the Diocese of Leeds and the building was then purchased by Batley-based Apollo Beds.

A court case was brought against the firm’s directors Atsham Ul-Haq, Azhar Ul-Haq and Imran Ul-Haq in 2019, where they were accused of failing to ensure the site was secure and ordered to pay more than £20,000.

It was claimed that no sooner had they secured the site, more damage would be caused.

Problems have persisted and Tong’s Green councillors Matt Edwards and Celia Hickson have demanded Bradford Council act and urged a compulsory purchase order be considered.

Matt Edwards and Celia Hickson, Green Party councillors for Tong

Cllr Hickson said: “The site is an eyesore and it’s one of the first things you see when you enter Bradford from the A650. It can be seen for miles around and it is embarrassing.

“Not only that but it attracts anti-social behaviour with children, some quite young, getting past the security barriers. We know of two incidents resulting in injuries in recent years - and that doesn’t take into account the numerous fires there have been.”

Cllr Edwards added: “For years I have been calling for Bradford Council to look at what more it can be doing here.

“This can’t just be left to our Environmental Health team to deal with. It is a strategic site, on a key route into the city and we need other departments working to provide a solution.”

He added: “This is having a big impact on local residents and on Tong Leadership Academy.

“How are the school meant to attract new students when the first thing they see when they pull up is this burnt-out mess?”

A written response to Cllr Hickson’s question to Full Council said officers are “focused on doing all they can to remedy the situation” but the local authority was not in a position to buy the building.

The response added further enforcement action was being looked at.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Landowners have a responsibility to maintain their site so it doesn’t adversely impact on neighbours and the wider community. 

“The Council will not hesitate to use the powers we have to enforce against landowners who do not take their responsibilities seriously.”

Architect James Hartley told the Telegraph & Argus that his client is “desperately” trying to find a way forward for the site but spoke of the huge challenges they have faced.

He said security has been increased and damage repaired on several occasions this year but added: “The reoccurring issue is that individuals seem intent on entering the site, of which to prevent is very difficult when the said individuals carry bolt cutting equipment.”

One incident on May 24 led to serious injury. Mr Hartley said this was immediately raised with Bradford Council’s Environmental Health department and security of the site was ramped up.

He said discussions were opened with the Council in November last year to discuss what could replace the existing building and it was said a scheme which delivered on the local plan’s housing target and provided affordable housing would be “viewed favourably”.

Mr Hartley said that in March, an official application for pre-application advice from Bradford Council for a “sympathetic scheme of a mixture of dwelling types, sizes and styles that will deliver a full contribution of affordable housing and the type of accommodation required as identified in the local plan” was submitted.

He claimed the planning officer has not responded - despite numerous attempts to get in touch - and they were told in May a report would be sent at the soonest opportunity, but they have heard nothing since.

“The key to this site being resolved sustainably is a clear indication of what the Council will allow us to do,” said Mr Hartley.

“The demolition process will be exceedingly expensive, so cannot be carried out without a plan in place. 

“We are trying desperately to find a way forward for the site, but we're finding it exceptionally difficult, near impossible in fact, to work with the local authority.”

Bradford Council was contacted for further comment but did not respond by the time of going to press.