CONSERVATION officers have welcomed plans to convert a former college building back into a house.

A planning application to turn part of the Grade II listed Bolton Royd building in Manningham into a large home, complete with a cinema, spa and “indoor garden,” has been approved by Bradford Council.

The building dates back to the 1850s, but most recently was used by Bradford College to offer adult education classes.

An application to turn a more modern part of the building into a care home was approved last year, and this application to turn the main building into a home, submitted by Jag Tailor, followed shortly after.

Bolton Royd is one of the earliest villas in Manningham, and was built when Manningham was one of Bradford’s most wealthy suburbs.

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The planning application for the site said: "A revival of the area’s fortunes will require change, just as previous generations altered what they found, building and adapting to suit their needs.

“Well-judged, proportionate change will enhance, not diminish, the suburb’s special qualities.”

Planning officers agreed the change back to residential would not harm the building or the surrounding area.

Conservation officer Jon Akroyd said: "The reversion of the use to residential is supported.

"It is the use for which the building was conceived, and it will be beneficial to both the building and hopefully the wider area, in demonstrating that Manningham remains a desirable residential area."