Demolition of Wakefield former medieval vicarage scrapped

More than 1,000 people objected to the proposed demolition of the Old Vicarage in Wakefield

Plans to demolish a former Wakefield vicarage dating back to medieval times and use the site as a car park have been dropped, trustees have said.

More than 1,000 people objected to proposals to knock down the Old Vicarage on Zetland Street.

It is currently home to several small businesses and is the local Conservative Party Association's HQ.

One trader based in the building said he was now "optimistic" about the future of the building.

Wayne Miller, owner of Division 24 skateboard shop, added: "It is a shame that rumours of the Vicarage's demise have been hanging over us for several years, leading to some tenants leaving and putting off new ones.

"For the time being, our businesses can continue."

Wayne Miller, owner of the Division 24 skateboard shop, has run his business at The Old Vicarage since 2001

The building dates back to the 14th Century and was the vicarage for Wakefield parish church, which became a cathedral in 1888.

The exact age of the property is uncertain, but the vicarage was first designated by Archbishop of York William de la Zouch in 1349, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It was bought on behalf of the Conservative Party by a body of trustees almost 100 years ago.

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

It is on Wakefield Council's list of buildings of local interest, but does not have a national listing with English Heritage.

Naeem Formuli, chair of Wakefield and Rothwell Conservative Association and chairman of the board of trustees, said: "We adamantly oppose the demolition of this property and firmly declare we have no plans to sell it in the future."