Bradford: Mill's regeneration 'harmed' by marquee plans

Plans for a large events marquee near a Victorian mill have been refused because the structure could "harm" the site's regeneration.

Built in the 1860s, Whetley Mills in Bradford was one of the city's most impressive industrial complexes.

Parts of the mill are occupied but much of the huge building, including its "spectacular" engine house, lie empty.

Bradford Council heritage officers said a scheme to add a marquee to a car park behind the site could hinder the much-needed redevelopment of the well-preserved mill.

The application to use the marquee as a function suite was submitted by Mohammed Ishaq last year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service .

Conservation officer Jon Ackroyd said: "The mill, with two large multi-storey ranges, engine house, weaving sheds and landmark chimney, is one of the best surviving mill complexes in the area."

The officer said considerable parts of the site were under-utilised and the focus should be on bringing empty buildings back into use.

He said: "The proposed development does not demonstrate enabling development or provide cross-subsidy to repair or regenerate the heritage buildings, and is not part of an evident masterplan for the regeneration of the listed buildings.

He added: "Priority should be given to repairing the fabric of those parts of the existing historic buildings which are empty and deteriorating, and accommodating uses such as those suggested which might take place in the marquee, in the existing buildings."

Council officers also said the marquee would leave only modest areas of parking, which would not be enough to support any re-use of the mills.

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