Vandalism-hit properties to be demolished

Houses and a shop that have become a focus for anti-social behaviour and vandalism can be demolished, planners have confirmed.

Social housing provider Incommunities owns the properties at Strensall Green in Buttershaw, Bradford, but described the shop and two semi-detached homes as "unlettable".

The organisation recently applied to knock down the buildings, and Bradford Council has now approved their demolition.

Planners said the removal of the properties "would be considered a visual improvement to the wider neighbourhood".

In its application, Incommunities said it was being made after the properties, yards from a children's play area, had lain empty for some years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It said: "The properties are unlettable due to regular targeting by various persons involved in anti-social behaviour in the vicinity."

The buildings had "fallen into a state of disrepair and are now beyond economic repair", it added.

"The demolition is to the benefit of the community generally."

Once the buildings had been knocked down, the site would be grassed over, Incommunities said.

Approving the demolition, Bradford Council officers said: "The structures have become notably disused and neglected over time owing to lack of occupancy.

"In this sense, the demolition of the structures would be considered a visual improvement to the wider neighbourhood and surrounding dwellings."

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