‘Affordable’ homes are to be created after councillors approved controversial plans to convert Menston Hall into flats.

Redevelopment of the hall and the demolition of a 1960s extension will make way for 30 new flats.

Of these, 22 will be ‘affordable’ grant-funded homes.

Councillor Chris Greaves is a director for the applicant, social housing landlord Incommunities, He said: “I am absolutely thrilled. It is going to be a huge improvement visually.

“The building was emptied last February. It was bed-sits which were completely unacceptable.

“This will get people back into work, and will provide affordable housing which has also stalled. It is a double win.”

He said a housing needs survey had shown young people could not afford to live in Menston and there was also demand for housing for the elderly.

However, residents are concerned that the scheme is an “over-development” and there is only parking provision for 31 cars.

John Durkin, who spoke on behalf of a group of residents, at a recent Area Planning Panel (Shipley) meeting, said: “Having studied the literature on this, I thought there were too many objections for it to go ahead.

“The feeling is that we were let down very badly.

“The main problem is parking – it will be atrocious. Very often you can’t move for cars round there.

“The hall is in a poor state and something needs to be done, it’s just there are far too many flats in too small an area.”

The application was heard by the planning panel on February 11, but the decision was made later.

A report to the planning committee said: “The scheme would ensure the upkeep of Menston Hall through active use”.

Incommunities is hoping to secure funding from the Government’s Kickstart programme, which helps developers proceed with schemes that have stalled, and boost trade and employment in the district.