HERITAGE bosses have criticised major plans to build 700 homes at a quarry in Bradford as some of the houses will be built close to two neighbouring listed buildings.

The Marshall family, which owns the Bolton Woods quarry, submitted outline plans for the 70-acre site in November. The land is next to a site already earmarked for a new £150 million urban village, including 1,000 homes.

They are looking at alternative uses for the quarry, which supplies Yorkshire stone, as it is coming to the end of its life as a quarry and its long-term future is “economically unviable”.

Both Historic England and Bradford Council’s Conservation Team have been consulted on the plans and have expressed their concern at the proximity of 125 homes to Bolton Old Hall and the adjoining Bolton Old Hall Cottage, both of which are Grade II* listed buildings.

Both say they have no objection in principle to the residential development of the quarry – just the impact of part of the development on the setting of the listed buildings.

Elisabeth Lewis, inspector of historic buildings and areas, at Historic England, states: “We are concerned regarding the extent and density of the proposed development forming phase two of the scheme which is sited in close proximity to the listed buildings and removes the established landscape setting.

“In particular the context and layout of the houses needs further consideration to allow a greater retention of open space adjacent to Bolton Old Hall and the Cottage.”

She calls for the application to be deferred or refused to allow amendments to be made that would “better preserve those elements of the site which contribute to the setting of the two Grade II* listed buildings”.

Design and conservation officer at the council, Hannah Meekings states: “The masterplan appears to indicate residential development on the level ground immediately behind the hall and cottage. If this is apparent in views from the front of the hall this is likely to result in significant harm to the setting of the heritage assets. A backdrop of modern housing and garages will severely detract from the sense of openness and will compete with the hall in key views from the south of the buildings. It will also significantly change the character of the landscape within the immediate setting of the hall, compromising the ability of the hall’s former importance and function to be understood and interpreted.”

Last month ahead of a public exhibition to showcase the plans, a spokesman for the Marshall family said that the long term viability of the quarry was diminishing and that the time had come to plan for future uses of the site.

He said: “We believe the proposals that we have outlined deliver a scheme that makes excellent use of the site and we are committed to ensuring it is of a high quality in terms of design and also landscaping.”

“What we are proposing will also help deliver much needed housing for Bradford.”

The plans are expected to be determined by Council planners next month.