Plan to convert ‘handsome’ listed Georgian building into flats refused
Plans to convert a ‘handsome’ city centre Georgian building into flats have been refused following concerns raised by heritage groups.
Wakefield Council said proposals to build eight flats at Vincent House would “result in harm” to the property on Westgate.
A planning officer’s report said designs for two of the flats did not comply with minimum space requirements and would “provide a sub-standard living environment for future occupiers.”
According to the document, the scheme was also turned down due to applicant Cask Zero Properties failing to provide an appropriate impact assessment in relation to potential noise disturbance for residents.
The property dates back to 1787 and lies withing the Lower Westgate conservation area.
It was originally a single house before being divided into multiple properties and later used as offices.
It has been listed with Historic England since 1953 for its “special architectural or historic interest”.
The report said: “Vincent House is identified as a good and handsome example of a mid to late 18th Century gentry town house.
“The site retains many of its original features.
“The property is a key high-status building on Westgate and forms part of a group of properties which contribute positively to the overall character and appearance of the conservation area.”
The original application, submitted in July last year, was for 11 apartments but the number of proposed dwellings was later reduced to eight.
The council’s conservation officer and Historic England called for the plan to be refused.
Wakefield Civic Society and The Georgian Group also raised “significant concerns” over proposals to sub-divide the property and create a mezzanine floor within existing rooms.
Civic Society president Kevin Trickett said: “It is essential that any conversion work be carried out as sympathetically as possible.
“Creating a mezzanine floor within existing rooms will damage the aesthetics of the rooms affected and, depending on the method of construction, could harm the fabric of the building.”
A statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said the alterations would have “very little impact on the heritage significance” of the building.
It said: “The proposal has been carefully designed and redesigned to mitigate as much of the impact as possible.
“Much of the building can be returned to its original residential use.
“While this was a single dwelling house at that time, it was sub-divided in later years.
“The proposal is therefore a natural progression of its historical use and inherently appropriate.
“The change of use itself is a positive one as it returns the building to its original use category.
“On this basis, it is recommended that the scheme is approved.”
But the conservation officer said the applicant had failed to provide sufficient detail to justify the work.