Historic Wetherby building to be transformed with six new shops
Six shops will be created
A historic town centre building is set to be converted into retail units under plans to safeguard its long-term future.
Plans have been drawn up for the refurbishment and creation of six shops at 21 Market Place in Wetherby.
Leeds City Council has approved a planning application for alterations to the building, which is Grade II-listed and part of Wetherby Conservation Area.
A design report by Ormerod Sutton Architects said the project included new doors and windows and the installation of solar panels.
The site had previously been used as retail and office space but was currently vacant.
The report said: “Securing an appropriate and sustainable commercial use for the building is essential to its long-term conservation.
“The continues use of the property for commercial purposes, through sub-division into six self-contained units, will bring this currently underused building back into active use.”
Council planners decided the development was appropriately designed for its surrounding area.
A planning officer’s report said: “Number 21 Market Place is a three-storey Georgian town house from the early 19th century, constructed out of ashlar magnesian limestone with a Welsh slate roof and characteristic sash windows.
“The property has served most recently as retail to ground floor with office space above, however has been vacant for a number of years.”
Previous additions to the building included a pair of two-storey wings to the rear of the site.
The council report said: “The proposal is considered to represent an appropriate form of development within Wetherby town centre and would support the re-occupation and continued viable use of a prominent vacant commercial property.
“The proposal has been carefully designed to preserve the significance of the Grade II-listed building whilst securing a comprehensive programme of repair and refurbishment works.”
No objections were received from Wetherby Town Council, subject to the building’s historic features being retained, the report said.