Environment

A building at risk is statutorily a listed building or structure whose architectural and historic significance means that if lost would be detrimental on a local and sometimes national basis. ‘Buildings at Risk’ is a nationally recognised term for listed buildings or structures that are at threat of vacancy or deterioration of condition. The surveys carried out to determine the risk status of a building uses the national criteria set by English Heritage.

Low Mills, Keighley - Grade II*

Risk is assessed on the basis of building being occupied along with its general condition. The categories range from grade 1 (the worst condition) to grade 6 (indicating a building is in good condition and repair). A building at risk will fall between grades 1 – 4, with different levels of problems and issues; these buildings will appear on the ‘at risk’ register.

Buildings can be ‘at risk’ in a number of ways:

• Lack of maintenance can lead to the rapid decline of decay and structural deterioration of a building;
• Redundancy – many buildings within Bradford, particularly the larger industrial warehouses and factories have gradually become redundant due to the declining industrial sector over the last few decades.
• Owners – one of the most common reasons for a building to become at risk. Often owners are oblivious to problems or have neither the will nor the means to rectify problems.
• Location – this can often be detrimental to buildings; locations in unattractive areas e.g. busy areas or those that fall into industrial areas can become ‘blighted’. The regeneration of a historic building can often stimulate further regeneration in the local area, such as Salt’s Mill, Saltaire.
• Economic climate of an area, lack of investment and maintenance regime leading to subsequent deterioration. Examples include the industrial decline where mills and warehouses are often left vacant leading to dereliction and neglect.
• Catastrophic events such as fire damage or vandalism can destroy the fabric of buildings.