Extension sought for Bradford business incentive
Orders which allow businesses to change the use of their premises without the need for planning permission in Bradford city centre have been recommended for a three-year extension to boost economic growth.
In 2014, the council adopted two Local Development Orders (LDO) covering parts of the city centre. These granted specified types of development which could go ahead without planning permission. The first LDO allowed businesses in selected streets between the Broadway Shopping Centre and City Park to change the use of their premises to any use within Use Classes A1, A2, A3, and A4.
The second LDO allowed the creation of up to nine residential units in the upper floors of buildings in certain parts of the city centre. Both orders have now expired and the council is recommending a further three-year extension.
A report by Julian Jackson, assistant director at Bradford Council, said: “The LDOs are part of a range of incentives in the City Centre Growth Zone, which will help support growth and regeneration in the City Centre.
“By allowing a wider range of uses in the City Centre without the need to apply for planning permission, the LDO can offer benefits for business including greater certainty, time and costs savings. ”
Streets around the Broadway shopping centre were often vacant before the orders were introduced. The report said that the streets between City Park and the Broadway Shopping Centre have seen a reduction in vacant units since the LDO was introduced, though there are still a noticeable number of vacant units.
It added that the LDO has seen some success with the Xchange Arndale House development. The report added: “However, as work continues on the regeneration of this area, it is considered to be reasonable to keep the order in effect.”
This order has been successful in encouraging the re-use of vacant upper floors. In the time since the order was adopted, planning records show that 48 units have been proposed across the city centre that could have been created by the LDO. Building control records indicate that 43 units have been created in this time.
“Despite the relative success of the LDO large amounts of upper floor space remains underused. As a consequence LDO 2 is still considered to be an important tool in the regeneration of the city centre,” the report states.
A consultation period will now begin before a final decision is made.
