A RETROSPECTIVE application for modern shop fronts on a “fine” Conservation Area building have been refused.
An application to retain the frontages and signage on 5,9, and 11 Westgate were refused by Bradford Council, with a Conservation Officer saying they detracted from the building.
The units used to have traditional timber shop fronts with recessed doorways, but these have been replaced with aluminium frontages.
The application was submitted by Ibrahim Sidat, and a very brief heritage statement included with the application said: “The proposal takes into account the external appearance and demonstrates the balance being created by the visual impact on shop front.
“The style of installed shop fronts is keeping within the host property and its surroundings.”
Conservation Officer Jon Ackroyd described the property in which the shop fronts lie as a “fine and important building in the conservation area” adding: “The ground floor shopfronts generally are not consistent with the quality of the elevations above.
“They cause harm and a visual disconnect between the public level appearance and the architectural quality above.
“The strident fascia signage, materials and general appearance have detracted from the building, and caused harm to the City Centre Conservation Area.
“There is no offsetting public benefit.
“The replacement of shopfronts presented an opportunity to enhance the conservation area, which has been ignored.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel