Historic Leeds villa where cannabis farm was uncovered could be turned into flats
The building has fallen into disrepair
A historic west Leeds villa could be converted into flats if plans can be agreed with the city council.
Eight homes would be created at the derelict listed building in Micklefield Park, Rawdon, where police uncovered a cannabis farm earlier this month.
Leeds City Council has been asked to approve plans for the site on New Road Side.
A design report said the Micklefield House building dated back to the 1840s and was most recently used as council offices.
It said: “Our aim is to bring the property back into use, with the minimal amount of change.
“We are proposing to change the use from office to residential as we feel the demand for high quality residential apartments in a nice environment such as Micklefield Park would be good.”
The report said the project would involve repairs to leaky roofing at the sandstone, gothic-style building next to Rawdon Community Library.
The building was in a state of disrepair and the project would bring it back into public use.
The report by Plot 74 Architecture said: “We feel our proposals strike the correct balance between retention and renewal and we feel that our approach will allow the building to shine again.”
An application for listed building consent is out for consultation until August 14.
The building was previously marketed for sale by Pugh Auctions with a closing bid price of £464,000.
The auction website said: “The attractive four-storey property is thought to have been a private residence until 1937, when it became used as offices for Leeds City Council.”