New flats plans approved for former hostel in Barnsley

Developers have been given the green light transform the Victoria Road building into seven apartments, while an on-site annexe will house a further four.

Built in 1876 for the manager of the Wakefield and Barnsley Union Bank, the two-storey building, known as Westfield House, was later converted to a student hostel.

It has stood empty since the hostel closed in 2006, suffering vandalism and fire damage.

A new replacement building for the existing single storey annexe will provide four new residential supported living units, each with a dedicated sensory garden area.

At an online virtual meeting of the council’s planning board, residents who live near the property said they were concerned about trees on the site which have caused damage to their property.

One couple said dropped pine needles were blocking their drains and guttering, and the roots had caused damage to their patio.

They also raised concerns the property would be turned into a house of multiple occupation, with residents living there with substance or alcohol misuse issues.

One man said: “I've been asked to speak on behalf of the residents’ association. We are not sure of your intentions. We have concerns this property is to become a HMO, and the clientele could consist of people who misuse alcohol and drugs.

“Westfield House used to hold residents of this category and this caused a serious amount of disruption to the area. I remember constant call outs for help from the police.

"We are all in agreement that there are way too many HMOs in this area already. We feel we are going back into the 1800s, putting too many tenants squashed into small buildings living in cramped conditions."

However, the meeting heard the plans are for self-contained apartments, rather than a HMO, and a tree officer would be in contact with neighbours about potential works to the trees causing issues.

Coun Caroline Makinson said: "For me, the building when it is finished will look desirable, it is a lovely area and I think it would be a desirable place to live."

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