Historic manor house roof repair bill rises by 50%

The cost of repairs to salvage the future of one of Bradford's most protected historic buildings has risen by 50%, according to the council.

The Grade I listed Ilkley Manor House dates back to the 1390s and was built on the site of a Roman fort.

The building is now used as a gallery and museum, but last year a tile fell from its roof, leading to it being listed as a dangerous building.

A report to be considered by councillors said the initial cost of roof repairs was expected to be £200,000, but issues raised following a further survey had meant it had increased to £300,000.

Previously, a listed building application submitted for the repairs outlined some of the challenges facing the project.

It said the roof had been repaired in the 1970s using nails that were too long, which punctured the roofing membrane and caused stone slates to rock on protruding nail heads.

The application said the damage had left tiles unstable, with some slipping and creating a hazard for visitors.

The council is being asked to approve the extra funding at a meeting of its executive.

If agreed, it will be one of the first major capital project approvals by the council's new Reform executive, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report said the money would be funded by "borrowing from the general contingency budget".

It added: "The works will ensure that Ilkley Manor House, the oldest property in the council's portfolio, will remain open to the public and continue to be enjoyed by all visitors.

Previous submissions to the council detailed how the Manor House was a "precious historic asset, built as it is within the footprint of a Roman fort".

"It is highly unusual to have a Grade I listed building on top of a designated Ancient Monument," it stated.