A DEVELOPMENT of 10 homes could be built in a conservation area if plans are given the go ahead.

An application has been lodged with Bradford Council for land north of Church Street, Manningham, by Zahir Ahmed. The vacant site is within the St Paul’s Conservation Area and while it was once home to a now-demolished warehouse, the application says the land has become overgrown with vegetation and also attracts fly tipping.

It says: “This proposal is to develop 10 new-build houses. It is proposed to maintain the historical vernacular architecture presented by the surrounding site but alter the host site from its current state to secure a more economically viable and sustainably designed future for the site.

“It is proposed to build thee-storey semi detached and terraced houses for private residential use offering four bedroom accommodation per plot.”

The application says there will be three rows of houses, which will create a “terracing” effect which matches the surrounding area.

It adds: “With the collection of impressive buildings within close proximity of the host building, we are keen to preserve and, at the same time, gain maximum use and benefit from our site."

The application says the plan will address the needs of the conservation area "by preserving the historical features of the surrounding area; harmonising with the existing buildings in terms of scale, materials and details, achieving an enhancement to the area".

"It is felt that the proposed works will tie in seamlessly within the local vicinity," says the application.

"The host site and surrounding buildings would not suffer any detrimental effect through the proposed works; rather, the client is willing to invest handsomely in the development of the site in order to positively enhance the local and wider area.

"There is a strong demand for residential units and this is proved by current government statistics indicating a drastic shortage of housing throughout the UK. Our proposal is to maximise the use of the site to meet the current requirements but also to provide well-built, high quality family homes which have strong architectural features that improve the vitality of the area and build pride for future residents that live within them."

There are a number of Grade II-listed buildings in the surrounding area, including the former St Paul's School and School Houses on Ambler Street and Church Street, St Paul's Church and a group of buildings on Ashdown Place and East Squire Lane.

A heritage statement submitted with the application says: "The development site has been underused and/ or vacant for a prolonged period of time and made a negative contribution to the character and appearance of St Paul’s Conservation Area both before and after the fire and subsequent demolition of Smith’s Buildings. "

It says the proposed development tidies-up the site, bringing it back into a "sustainable and beneficial use".