Go-ahead for conversion of 
pub would be ‘civic vandalism’

Heritage enthusiasts are among those objecting to a scheme to convert the vacant Cock & Bottle on Barkerend Road, Bradford, which would involve the removal of some interior walls.

Pub and beer writer Malcolm Toft, of Silsden, said: “This property is the finest remaining Victorian public house in the city of Bradford. It would be an act of civic vandalism to allow this planning application to succeed.

“The multi-roomed building retains many original features. Its mahogany bar, etched windows and woodwork are outstanding. The Cock & Bottle is truly worthy of its grade II listing.”

Members of the public have added their voices against the scheme.

David Boothroyd, of Eccleshill in Bradford, in a letter to the council, said: “There is little doubt that, in the right hands, this could once again be a viable public house...any alteration to the internal structure should be firmly resisted, as many of those internal features are unique and they would be impossible to reinstate.

“I request that the planning committee refuse to grant permission for the internal structural changes and conversion to a restaurant.”

Sheffield resident John Bell is also opposing the plans. He said: “Having lived in the Bradford area for almost 50 years I have been privileged to visit the Cock & Bottle on numerous occasions. This is an outstanding public house, the like of which is rare across the whole country. It is part of the history of Bradford and must remain so. Not only will the application destroy the historic interior but [it will] remove a local amenity that is vitally important in this area.”

Objector Chris Davey, of Sutton in Craven, said: “The interior of this building has remained largely unchanged since the 1940s.

“Its multi-roomed layout, along with many original public house fittings is now unique to Bradford. Any change of use of the building would not be able to maintain its features which are inherently linked to usage as a public house. Its preservation is of both local and national importance.”

In a design statement, Khawaja Planning Services, representing the developer, said the plan was to convert the ground floor into a restaurant.

Two timber sash windows will be installed to the side of the building which faces Shipley Airedale Road.