Object

Representation ID: 29069

Received: 29/03/2021

Respondent: Historic England

There are historic areas within Bradford where the densities being proposed would result in considerable harm to their character. Paragraph 4.15.6, add the following text after the second sentence: ‘Densities below those set out in Policy HO2 may be allowed where it can be demonstrated that it is necessary in order to better-reflect the character of that area or to safeguard the setting of a heritage asset.’

We welcome the stipulation within Criterion A of the need
for densities to take account of their surroundings and those areas where local character would warrant lower densities. This will ensure that the densities of new residential developments reflect the character of the area in which they are located. We also welcome the references under Criteria B and C to site specific considerations or local area characteristics justifying lower housing densities in some cases. However, as currently written, it could be interpreted that
similar considerations will not be applied within the City
Centre and Principal Towns. The City Centre and Principal Towns contain the highest concentration of heritage assets in the District which, in some cases will provide opportunities for delivering higher densities, in others may justify developments providing lower densities.To avoid confusion, and to ensure that heritage assets are appropriately conserved, a similar caveat to that provided in Criteria B and C is required under Criterion D relating to development in the City Centre and Principal Towns.