Apartments plan for derelict probation centre

The National Probation Service centre has been empty for three years

The former National Probation Service centre in Wakefield could be converted into an apartment block.

Plans have been submitted to transform the derelict site close to the city centre into 40 flats and commercial premises.

Probation services were relocated to new premises at Burgage Square around three years ago leaving the 1970s building vacant.

Developers Built UK said there would be two extra floors above the main building plus a penthouse apartment to create a five-storey structure with 31 residential units in total.

A council report said the plans would bring the vacant building back into use

If plans are approved, a second block would be built nearby with nine flats and a smaller building already on the site would provide seven commercial and office units.

According to a council report, the developer has had "pre-application discussions" with Wakefield Council planning officers, who "advised that the location of development is considered to be acceptable in principle."

It stated: "Overall it is considered that the development would enhance the character and appearance of the building and respond positively to the surrounding area by virtue of the high quality and sympathetic design proposed."

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