Plans submitted to historic Wakefield city centre building into HMO
A planning application has been submitted to convert a listed Wakefield city centre building into a house in multiple occupancy.
The plans are for Grade-II listed 12 Bond Street and would see the 19th century property converted into a residence for up to nine people.
A heritage statement provided on behalf of the applicant said: “The existing building has been vacant for a number of years and suffered a general lack of maintenance for many years prior to this.
"As a result, the exterior appearance has been allowed to fall into a poor state of disrepair, with significantly flaking paintwork on outer windowsills and pilaster door surround, and leaking rainwater goods leading to water damage.
"This loss of protective paintwork, will undoubtedly lead to greater weathering of the stonework beneath, and gives a generally dilapidated aesthetic to what should be very elegant domestic properties."
It said the applicant intended to improve the exterior of the building.
The heritage statement added: “As can be seen in other terraces in the row that have been subject to quality repairs and ongoing maintenance, this will undoubtedly greatly improve the building's contribution to the character of the conservation area and listed terrace row.”
The building is currently vacant but most recently used as offices and workshop for a watch repair company and offices for a catering company.
Stricter rules on converting properties into houses HMOs came into effect in some areas of Wakefield and Castleford in October.
The new rules mean that any HMOs occupied by three or more people will now require planning permission.
Previously, HMOs only required planning permission if more than six people were going to be living there.
A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: “With the Wakefield district undergoing significant investment from a residential and leisure perspective, this property development is believed to be filling a gap in the market for high-end, well-maintained accommodation."
It said the accommodation would “only permit full time working professionals, including those new to the city who are looking to settle in the area”.
No comments from members of the public had been submitted to Wakefield Council at the time of publication.