A LISTED 19th Century building that was once a pub that served travellers between Bradford and Halifax can be converted into flats after planning permission to alter the building was approved.

The Nags Head on Highgate Road, Clayton Heights, has also been a restaurant in its near two century history, but after having been empty for a number of years the building has been described as being in a “state of dereliction.”

Last year a planning application to convert the building into seven flats was submitted to Bradford Council.

Planning officers this week approved the proposals, saying it was important that the building, which is also in a Conservation Area, find a new use before it falls into further disrepair.

The application, by Surjit Singh Johal, is for eight one-bed flats over the building’s two floors.

More modern additions to the building would be demolished under the plans, and a double storey extension built to the side.

It said: “ Our aim is to work with the existing building by reinstating the existing door openings and working with what remains of the building internally.

Approval for plan to turn 'underappreciated' building into restaurant

“We have worked closely with the Conservation Officer prior to submitting this application to bring the building back into use in a tasteful manner.”

People may be more familiar with the building’s more recent use - an Indian restaurant called Paprika.

The Council’s Conservation Officer Jon Ackroyd said: “The Nags Head is a former pub dating from the early 19th century.

“It may have been purpose built to serve traffic on the Bradford to Halifax turnpike which would have been a busy route at the time.

“The building has not been used as a pub in a number of years, and is now in poor condition, with abortive internal works leaving the interior in a stripped and rather dangerous state.

“It is evident however that the interior has previously been altered on multiple occasions during pub use, and nothing of significance remains.

“The interior is devoid of features and in a state of dereliction.

“The rear flat roofed extension is to be removed. This has no significance. “

He says the work to the building “could ensure the survival of the building and indeed if sensitively undertaken could enhance its appearance and character.”

Approving the plans, officers said: “The building retains much of its original character and detailing to the front, but to the rear this has been somewhat eroded by the various alterations and additions.

“In appraising this application, it is apparent that bringing the building back into an active use is a necessity in the short to medium term in order to ensure the condition does not deteriorate any further.

“The proposal does come with a two storey side extension to ensure the viability of the scheme, but this has been designed sympathetically to the host building. When viewed from the front which is the most important elevation the extension will be obscured by no.78 Highgate Road which sits in front of the build.

“The scheme has also been revised to include the reconstruction of a chimney stack and additional details have been submitted in respect of the doors, windows and external guttering, which provide further assurances that the scheme will be carried out in a manor (sic) to respect the status and historical and architectural merit.”