Former city centre Graziers pub to converted into HMO
A former pub in Wakefield city centre is to be converted into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).
Wakefield Council approved proposals for the old Graziers building ten months after a similar scheme was rejected.
In August last year, planning officers turned down an application to convert the property into a house share for five people, saying it would lead to “a poor level of amenity for future occupants.”
Property firm Bridge-It Housing appealed but the Planning Inspectorate upheld the council’s decision.
The company then lodged fresh plans to convert the building, on Market Street, into a four-bedroom HMO.
A report stated that reducing the number of bedrooms would allow for a lounge area to be created for residents.
The updated scheme also included more shower and toilet facilities in the property.
A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: “The proposed development will deliver a development appropriate for site and neighbourhood in terms of scale, character and use.
“The proposal will not have any harmful impacts upon the character and appearance of the area or be detrimental to the residential amenity of occupants or existing residential properties adjacent to or close to the site.”
Approving the scheme, an officer’s report said: “The proposal is now considered to overcome the previous reason for refusal.
“It is therefore considered that appropriate shared and communal living spaces and adequate shower facilities within the property have been provided.
“The proposal provides acceptable standards of amenity for the future occupants.”
No objections were submitted to the new scheme, but the earlier plans attracted 70 comments of disapproval.
Residents said they feared it would add to anti-social behaviour problems in the area.
One commented: “While housing is undeniably important, the concentration of HMOs in this area raises significant concerns for the long-term health, stability and identity of Wakefield as a community.
“HMOs often result in a transient population with limited ties to the local area.
“This undermines community spirit, weakens neighbourhood engagement, and can contribute to a decline in civic pride.”
Others said it could deter new businesses from coming to the area and have a negative impact on regeneration projects.
The building closed as a pub around a decade ago before being occupied by the applicant.