Fresh bid to convert 'dilapidated' former pub in Windhill

The Woodend in Windhill, Shipley, has been empty for years, and last year an application to turn the pub into flats was refused by Bradford Council.

Officers feared future residents of the nine flats would have “unsatisfactory living conditions.”

But now a new application to convert the building, on Woodend Crescent, into affordable flats has been submitted by Michael Raymond Smith.

The new plans show a re-designed building with more windows created at first floor level than the refused plan.

There will be four one bed flats and five two bed flats in the redeveloped building, as well as a communal rear garden and on site parking.

Although a once popular working men’s club, the building has been empty for some time, and in recent years has been damaged by fire.

When the Telegraph & Argus visited this week many of the windows were boarded up.

When the previous application was refused last year, officers said: "It is acknowledged the Woodend Public House is a detracting feature and that it could lend itself to being redeveloped for residential purposes given the character and appearance of the surrounding local area.

"However, given the number of flats shown and the restricted nature of the site it would result in living conditions of future occupants which would be substandard in terms of outlook and achievable internal light levels to the detriment of the amenities of these occupants.”

The latest application says: “The building that currently sits on the site requires considerable renovation and restoration including new windows/ doors, external remodelling, single storey roofs lifting and a full interior strip out.

An artist's impression of the planned refurbishment (Image: Orange Design Studio)

“The current building is understood to be of 70’s build and offers little features of Architectural merit, therefore a full revamp and modernisation is required to attract potential occupants and address the Local Authority’s demand for quality but affordable housing.

“The proposal will set out to offer a robust, high quality and realistic scheme by making use of an existing structure and lifting the overall appeal of the area.

“In terms of scale the development proposes to reduce the current footprint in favour of more communal space for parking/gardens and a more attractive elevation.

“The existing front terrace area would be renovated into a shared, soft landscaped space which would improve the residents experience and enhance the street scene from its current hard landscaped and dilapidated state.”

A decision on the application is expected next month.