Flats approved despite flood risk warning

Part of a Bradford office building is set to be converted into flats despite a warning that it is unsuitable for residential use due to a "high risk of flooding".

Broadway House, on the newly-pedestrianised area of Bank Street, is made up of ground-floor businesses and office spaces on its first, second and third floors.

Earlier this year, property developer Springer revealed plans to convert the upper floors into 28 apartments.

The works have now been approved by Bradford Council despite an objection from the Environment Agency, which said residential use of the building should be avoided because the site was within a flood plain.

The agency told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the building's location meant there was a "high risk of flooding".

"We recommend that planning permission is refused on this basis.

"We continue to urge planning authorities to follow national guidance to reduce flood risk and protect communities."

When asked why the flats were approved despite the objection, a Bradford Council spokesperson said a flood risk assessment (FRA) had found the proposal "does not introduce unacceptable flood risks".

They added: "The upper-floor location of the residential units significantly reduces vulnerability, and the development does not increase flood risk to the site or wider area.

"The FRA also sets out a number of flood risk mitigation measures that are to be implemented in order to ensure the impacts of any potential flooding are minimised.

"Given these considerations, the proposal can be deemed acceptable in terms of flood risk."

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