The Old Vicarage: Objections over plans to bulldoze Wakefield site

The proposals have attracted a large number of objections

More than 1,000 people have objected to plans to turn one of Wakefield's oldest buildings into a car park.

If the plans were approved, the Old Vicarage, parts of which date back as far as 1349, could be bulldozed before the end of the month.

The Zetland Street building is home to small businesses and the local Conservative Party Association.

Wakefield Council said the objections would be considered as part of the planning process.

Parts of the building, on Zetland Street, are thought to date back to 1349.

Objectors have cited the potential loss of a heritage site while others have written in support of the businesses based in the building.

Wayne Miller, owner of Division 24 skateboard shop, said he and other traders had been overwhelmed by the public reaction.

He said: "I am absolutely astounded by the support and backing we have received from organisations and individuals from the local area and afar, with over 1,000 objections and still rising.

"I don't think the local residents and other businesses on Zetland Street and Vicarage Street are even aware of the happenings yet either, because there are no visible notification signs on any of the lampposts around the property.

"Aside from the obvious historical significance, some of the comments have touched on some very interesting points."

Wayne Miller owns the Division 24 skateboard shop within the building

The property, which dates back to the 14th Century, was bought on behalf of the Conservative Party by a body of trustees almost 100 years ago, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Naeem Formuli, chair of Wakefield and Rothwell Conservative Association, said the building was still held in trust on behalf of the party.

Mr Formuli, one of four trustees for the property, told the LDRS: "The building has not been sold to anyone else and we don't want to take any decision over its future in haste.

"This process was instigated by previous trustees but we will weigh up the options for the building when we know the outcome of the application."

The building was the vicarage for Wakefield parish church, which became a cathedral in 1888.

The exact age of the property is uncertain but a vicarage was first designated by William de la Zouch, the Archbishop of York, in 1349.

The Old Vicarage has long been rumoured to have links to a network of tunnels hidden beneath the city centre.

The property is on the council's list of buildings of local interest but does not have a national listing with English Heritage.

A spokesperson for Wakefield Council said: "All objections will be considered as part of the usual planning process."