A LISTED building that was once home to a Sooty themed tourist attraction could soon be converted into houses.

Windhill Manor has had numerous uses in its time – built as a school in the 1870s, the building, on Leeds Road, Windhill, has most recently been used as office space.

But it will probably be best remembered by a certain generation of Bradfordians as the short lived “Sooty’s Wonderful World” attraction.

An application has now been submitted by Monsoon Developments to convert the building into 21 flats and a house.

Opening in 1987, Sooty’s Wonderful World was a celebration of the magic loving mischief maker and included a range of props used in the popular children's TV shows of the 1950s and 60s.

Visitors could also watch the vintage shows on TV screens in the attraction.

Sooty was created by Bradford-born Harry Corbett, nephew of chip shop giant Harry Ramsden, in 1948, after he bought the puppet from a stall in Blackpool for his son Matthew, who went to school in Apperley Bridge.

The yellow bear and his friends Sweep, a squeaking dog, and Soo, a well spoken panda, have delighted generations of children over numerous TV series.

Windhill Manor, on one of the busiest roads in the District, has been used as office space since closing as an attraction.

The new plans, submitted to Bradford Council, would see the Grade II listed building divided up into flats – 18 one-bed and three two-bed.

A former school master’s house will become a three-bed house.

The plans will retain the 30-space car park already at the site, and restore the building’s gardens “to their former glory.”

New trees will be planted in the parking area.

The Listed Building application for the work that has been submitted to the Council says: “Our proposals bring this listed building back to use after years of being largely empty and unused.

“We feel our proposals enhance the listed building and this, together with ensuring its future use and maintenance, will ensure the building remains a key building on the Shipley landscape for years to come.”

A decision is expected next month.

If approved, it could be the second project to convert a heritage building in the area.

Last year an application to turn the crumbling Carnegie Library, opposite Windhill Manor, into supported living units for adults with disabilities, was approved.

That plan had been submitted by the Carlton Care Group.