The 1980s building has been vacant for around six months

A former NHS office building in the heart of Wakefield could be transformed into 46 flats under plans submitted to the council.

The proposal would see White Rose House on West Parade brought back into use as a residential building, with homes spread across its five floors.

The 1980s building was previously occupied by the NHS as offices but has been vacant for around six months.

Forty-five one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom home would be created if plans are approved.

Nine one-bedroom flats would be created on the first floor, with 10 one-bedroom apartments on each of the second, third and fourth floors.

Its fifth floor would contain six one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom apartment.

The planning statement says all the one-bedroom flats would be at least 37 square metres, while the two-bedroom apartment would be at least 61 square metres.

It said: “White Rose House occupies a highly sustainable location on West Parade within Wakefield City Centre.”

The existing undercroft parking would be retained, with 12 spaces proposed for residents.

A secure internal cycle store would provide 47 cycle parking spaces, with bin storage also planned.

No external changes to the building are proposed.

Planning documents said the scheme would “re-purpose an existing building in an established built up area”.

The planning statement says the proposal would not affect important views into or out of the conservation area, while no excavation or ground-breaking works would be required.

A noise assessment submitted with the application found that nearby commercial noise was unlikely to cause issues for future residents.