Basement Yorkshire flats without access to natural light "unsuitable for habitation"

This was the conclusion of planning officers who this week refused plans to turn the basement of a Bradford building into flats for a second time.

Proposals to build four flats in basement space at Eastbrook Hall in Little Germany were refused by Bradford Council last year, and an appeal against this refusal was dismissed by a Government inspector earlier this year.

Council officers and the inspector both agreed the basement flats would have unacceptable levels of natural light.

A second application was submitted this Summer by Mansukh Gorasia.

It was almost identical to the previous application – but this time claimed the flats would be offered as short term lets – with people living in them for a week at most.

Refusing this second application, planning officers said: “The agent explained that the apartments are to be used for/by people visiting Bradford for a short amount of time such as over a weekend or for up to a week.

“Regardless of how long the proposed apartments will be occupied/used for, good levels of accommodation still needs to be provided.

“The poor levels of natural light and outlook will provide a poor standard of living for the future occupants.”