DLP Planning Ltd have secured permission for a change of use from offices (B1) to residential (C3) at Merchants House, Shipley without the need for a planning application. Prior approval was sought from City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council that the proposals were eligible for permitted development rights under the General Permitted Development Order.

The property comprises a vacant 5 storey office building located on the northern side of Leeds Road, less than 1km east of Shipley Town Centre. It is also within a Conservation Area and a World Heritage Site Buffer Zone, but the building itself is not subject to any Listing. The application included an assessment of the impact of the 31 apartment scheme on a number of matters, including transport & highways, land contamination, flood risk and impact of noise from commercial premises.  Evidence to the former office use of the property was also provided to demonstrate that Merchants House was eligible for conversion.

The scheme will deliver much needed residential accommodation close to Shipley town centre where future occupiers will have access to a variety of shops, services and public transport infrastructure.