Vacant Grade II-listed building to become high-end HMO after approval
Plans to convert Grade II listed building into HMO approved
Plans to convert a vacant listed building in Wakefield city centre into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) have been given the go-ahead.
Proposals include turning the property on Bond Street into “high-end, well-maintained accommodation” for professionals.
The early 19th Century Grade II-listed building, close to County Hall and Wakefield College, was previously used as a solicitor’s office but has been empty since 2023.
A planning statement submitted to Wakefield Council on behalf of applicant Sarah Millns, said: “Sadly there has not been demand for such commercial space in recent years, so the property has been left empty and is falling into a poor state of repair.”
The document said each bedroom in the property would have an en-suite bathroom and the property would be given a ‘sympathetic upgrade.’
It 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 will only permit full time working professionals, including those new to the city who are looking to settle in the area.
“In the design of this development, every effort has been made to offer the best possible accommodation with minimal impact on the building and the local area.”
The statement said the applicant had completed a similar project nearby in 2021, converting a property on Laburnum Road into a HMO.
“The applicant is passionate about bringing this historically significant property back into use.
“Residential demand is high in the area, especially for single working professionals, and this is an opportunity to restore this Grade II-listed building for modern day living to ensure that it has a new purpose for the future.”
Four objections to the scheme were submitted, with concerns raised that the development would be an “over-intensification” of a historic building.
Another objector said: “Wakefield is already seeing a lot of anti social behaviour due to the increase in HMOs.”
The council’s conservation officer raised concerns but said the scheme was acceptable after the initial plans were amended.
A council officer’s report said: “It is considered that the proposal will maintain the special interest of the listed building and is considered to have an acceptable design that will not have a detrimental impact on the character and form of the host building and surrounding area.”