A CITY centre office building could be converted to 34 flats – without the need for planning permission.

Quest House on Vicar Lane could be converted to housing under permitted development rules.

These rules, introduced several years ago by the then Conservative Government, allow property developers to convert office space into residential use without planning permission.

Councils are notified of plans, but can only block such developments if there are serious highways or environmental health concerns.

Bradford Council has been notified that a Nazia Ali intends to convert the two-storey property, near Bradford Leisure Exchange, into 34 apartments.

The entrance to Quest House on Vicar LaneThe entrance to Quest House on Vicar Lane (Image: T&A)

The units will be a mix of studio flats, one bed apartments and two bed apartments.

The smallest flats have 38 square metres of living space – just above the legal minimum of 37 square metres.

A decision on whether the conversion can go ahead is expected imminently.