'Very important' landmark chapel near Haworth could be demolished to make way for houses
A “very important local landmark” that has stood derelict on a busy Yorkshire road could be flattened to make way for a housing development.
A planning application to clear the derelict Primitive Methodist Chapel, on Mill Hey, near Haworth, has been submitted to Bradford Council this week.
The plans, submitted by John Lampkin, would see a terraced row of six, three bed houses built in its place.
The building is not listed, but has been described as an important landmark for the area.
One local councillor has raised concerns over the demolition plans, saying it would be much better for the area if the building was converted rather than flattened.
Built in 1870, the building was one of many Primitive Methodist chapels erected across Yorkshire.
It has not been used as a church since 1954, and there have been concerns about its deteriorating condition for well over a decade.
Over the past 15 years there have been multiple planning applications to convert the chapel into flats approved by Bradford Council – but none of these conversions have taken place.
The new application is for “outline planning permission for demolition of a former chapel, diversion of an existing footpath, and construction of six cottages with parking.”
Councillor Rebecca Poulsen said: “I am really concerned that the plans are to demolish the building rather than re-develop it.
“In 2019 there was an approved plan to convert the old chapel works into 12 apartments, but this historic building has been left to become more and more dilapidated rather than being developed.
“This is a key landmark building in Haworth and although not listed constitutes an undesignated heritage asset in the village.
“Sadly under the Government’s changes to planning, councillors cannot refer planning applications like this to the planning committee, so a decision will be made by the planning officer.
“I would encourage people to submit their comments about this plan to planning so they can be taken account of in the planning decision.”
Referring to a previous application to convert the building into flats, Bradford Council conservation officer Jon Ackroyd described the chapel saying: “Although not listed or in a conservation area, this building is a very important local landmark, is probably of listable quality and constitutes an undesignated heritage asset.”
He said any re-use of the building would be welcomed.
A decision on the application is expected in the New Year.