Shed between listed buildings refused permission

Retrospective planning permission for a "utilitarian shed" already built between two listed buildings has been refused.

Late last year the 38sq m (409sq ft) shed was erected between Grade II listed Eastbrook Hall and Grade II listed 55 Leeds Road in Bradford.

The retrospective application was submitted by Mr Gorasia from M & N Builders Properties 3 Ltd earlier this year to use the shed, which would have a roller shutter on the front, for storage.

But now the request has been refused by Bradford Council which said it "adversely affected the setting of the neighbouring heritage asset".

Conservation Officer Hannah Meekings said: "I have significant concerns regarding the visual impact of the storage shed.

"The structure appears to be of unsympathetic construction, featuring an unfinished timber frame, a flat felted roof and a metal roller shutter door.

"It is clearly visible from Leeds Road behind the existing metal gates and presents a stark contrast to the traditional frontages and high-quality architectural character of the adjoining listed buildings.

"As a result, the shed reads as an incongruous and discordant addition, detracting from the streetscape."

Eastbrook Hall lies within the Little Germany Conservation Area, and dates back to the 1820s, while 55 Leeds Road dates back to the 1860s.

According to the planning application, there is a 110mm separation gap between the shed and the existing buildings, but planners questioned this claim.

Council officers said the shed appeared "visually intrusive and poorly integrated within the historic setting", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

They added: "Although the planning application states that the shed would be separated from the listed buildings by a 110mm gap, the officer's site visit confirmed that the foundation beams have been fixed directly onto the walls of both listed buildings, raising significant concerns regarding direct impact on historic building fabric."

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