Former golf warehouse to be demolished to make way for new apartment building

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 12:10

By Chris Young, Local Democracy Reporter

American Golf Warehouse used to be based in the building on Bradford Road

A former golf shop in Menston can be demolished to make way for a development of flats.

The old American Golf Warehouse building on Bradford Road has been vacant and fenced off for a number of years, and has been described as being “of very limited architectural merit.”

Late last year a planning application to demolish the structure and build a modern building containing nine apartments was submitted to Bradford Council by Cunningham Estates Ltd.

The application has now been approved, with planning officers saying the planned regeneration of the plot of land is “welcomed.”

The existing building dates back to the 1920s, and lies between Bradford Road and the rail line.

The planning application called for this building to be demolished, with the new apartment building having under croft parking with eight spaces for future residents as well as a single outdoor parking space.

The application says:

“The building’s structural fabric and internal finishes are in poor condition, requiring extensive repairs and refurbishment.

“The ground floor was most recently used as an ‘American Golf Warehouse’ commercial unit, while the lower ground level served as storage.”

It says the former golf warehouse provides a poor view to people arriving in the village, adding:

“The application site presents the opportunity to complete this gateway to Menston.

“The existing building fails in several aspects to make a positive contribution its appearance is of extremely poor quality.”

The plans say the new building would be

“a distinctive modern architectural response that employs high-quality materials while referencing the local context.”

There had been one objection to the plan, saying the design “Appears as a prison like building.”

It goes on to describe the plans as “Lazy architecture to the demise of the area.”

The development would include a two-bed apartment and undercover parking and lobby areas on the ground floor, two three bed flats, a one bed flat and a three-bed flat on the first floor and a two bed and three bed apartment on the second floor.

Approving the development, planning officers said:

“The building is of very limited architectural merit, of poor condition and has been stood empty for some considerable time.

“There are no objections to its demolition. Indeed, the re-development of this plot is welcomed.

“The design is clearly bespoke and would appear as a striking built form.

“The site is located in a sustainable location in Menston, with easy access to the train station and bus routes.”