New proposals have been lodged to allow a former Wakefield city centre hotel to continue operating as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

A retrospective planning application has been submitted to allow the former Black Swan, on Westgate, to remain in use as 13-bedroom shared accommodation.

The request comes two years after a similar scheme at the Grade II-listed building was rejected by city planners.

Wakefield Council officers refused it in October 2024 due to “concerns around the security of the building and safety of future residents.”

A retrospective planning application has been submitted to allow the former Black Swan, on Westgate, to remain in use as 13-bedroom shared accommodation. LDRS image

placeholder image — A retrospective planning application has been submitted to allow the former Black Swan, on Westgate, to remain in use as 13-bedroom shared accommodation. LDRS image

A report at the time said “inadequate security measures” were in place to “prevent crime and anti-social behaviour occurring at the premises.”

Applicant Julius Oluokun appealed the decision but the Planning Inspectorate upheld the council’s decision.

The new application, submitted on behalf of Mr Oluokun this week, said the property was still operating as a HMO.

A planning statement said: “The property was previously operated as a hotel. Despite the owner’s efforts, the hotel use was no longer commercially viable and could not be sustained over the longer term.

“To secure the continued occupation and maintenance of the building, it has been brought into use as a professionally managed HMO.”

The Black Swan closed as a hotel in 2018.

The building was constructed in the late 18th and early 19th century, and lies within the Lower Westgate Conservation Area.

It was given listed status in 1953 due to its special architectural or historic interest.

The statement said no structural changes were proposed and the scheme would preserve the “special architectural and historic interest of the building” remains unaffected.

It added: “The applicant remains committed to maintaining the property to a high standard and ensuring that its historic significance is preserved.

“The proposal preserves the significance of the heritage asset and provides a sustainable use that supports its continued conservation.

“Accordingly, it is considered that the retrospective application is consistent with national planning policy relating to the conservation of the historic environment.”

Planning officers have yet to determine the proposal.