Planning Report 2025

The following is a summary of the key issues of 2025.The numbers of planning applications in Bradford as a whole remained relatively constant in 2025 at 4,776 (4,695 in 2024). The Society commented upon only 59 this year ( 91 in 2024) of the 266 within the town boundary. Of the 59 a mixture were recommendations for refusal and neutral comments. In the latter part of 2025, the fortnightly numbers dropped considerably and on a couple of occasions we had no applications within the town.

Significant applications and decisions during the year included:

Specific sites

2025 11 Comments on Grove BT box Plan App.pdf

2025 11 Comments on Cow and Calf Cafe Plan Application.pdf

2025 09 IGS CEMP response to CBMC Part 2 07 09 25.pdf

2025 08 IGS CEMP response to CBMC.pdf

2025 04 Ilkley GS - comments re Construction Environmental Management Plan.pdf

2025 01 Ilkley GS demolition new build.pdf   

lkley Lawn tennis & Squash club submitted two applications this year, the first for a large area of solar panels on the roof, one of the largest we have seen in the town. Secondly  an application for major changes to the layout of the grounds and some internal clubhouse changes. ( Approved August 2026).

Starbucks made themselves very unpopular in the town after erecting all the advertising signs for the new café without applying for planning permission. The 9m lollipop was refused by Bradford council and eventually it was removed. Not very socially responsible for a national company to do significant works without submitting an application.(after a second submission for a smaller mast being refused they have now appealed to the Planning Inspectorate).

Another insensitive application came from BT for  an illuminated ( advertising) communications HUB on The Grove. This was also refused by Bradford council but with an immediate appeal being submitted by BT, we hoped the Planning Inspectorate will see the damage to the conservation area this would do. Unfortunately the HMGovt Planning Inspector has supported the appeal so the installation may now go ahead.

An application has been made for 5 new houses in the Green Belt off Slates Lane which is of concern but Bradford council has approved the application, and after an appeal was upheld, so the plans can proceed).

Two more positive applications on historic buildings , Bradford council applied to itself to re-roof the Manor House, a poor quality application but we accept the works are vital to protect this Grade 1 Listed Building. The second application is for the repairs and re use of the Old Grammar School on Church St .(listed Grade 2) on which works are currently taking place. (now complete and in use as an architects office).

Matters of concern - Common themes

• Increasing trend for applications to be short on detail, despite which plans are approved, thereby increasing the risk of planning creep.
• Planning applications continue to attempt to squeeze new houses into small sites, which is not always beneficial to neighbours.
• Whilst small in number, we still see some applications repeated numerous times to try and obtain permission following refusals.
• Large 2 storey garages and car parks also remain a trend as do excessively large dormer windows.
• Continued loss of commercial space and conversion to residential may appear to help housing numbers, but reduces employment opportunities in the town and creates more commuting out of town.
• Our Conservation Areas also continue to lose authenticity by removal of historic features  and thus both visual and financial value.

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An analysis of Civic Society planning activity for the last seven years::