Council likely to buy run-down 16th century manor house to save it from ruin

SINCE THE 16th century, it has remained a landmark in the Bradford suburb of Manningham.

But concerns over the future of the district’s famous Old Manor House have led to Bradford Council considering stepping in to preserve the vital piece of the West Yorkshire city’s heritage.

Members of the council’s executive are set to approve using a Compulsory Purchase Order to save the historic building in St Paul’s conversation area, in Manningham.

The Old Manor House is the oldest building in Manningham but has suffered from serious neglect and has remained unoccupied for the past 20 years.

Coun Alex Ross-Shaw, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “The Old Manor House is a valuable piece of local history and it is important we do everything we can to save it.

“The district has some incredible history and heritage buildings of this type not only tell the story of Bradford’s past but also contribute to the unique character of our area.”

The Old Manor House currently has no doors or windows and hardly any roof and is in a poor condition structurally. The site has been blighted by fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

The council and Historic England have both expressed concerns and fear the building may be lost forever if urgent action is not taken.

Long-running attempts by the authority to work with the current owners of the property have unfortunately failed, so officers are recommending that as a last resort, the council now buys the building.

If the property is purchased and renovated by the authority, the work will be funded through the council’s Blight Site Fund which was created in this year’s budget.

Members of the council’s executive will consider giving the powers to purchase the Old Manor House when they meet on Tuesday next week.