A LISTED 17th-century pub that has lain empty for three years could be converted into three homes, if councillors agree.

The Duke of York Inn at Dean Lane, Thornton, Bradford, would be turned into two three-bedroom properties and a single-bedroom house, with many of the building’s lost heritage features restored, under the scheme put forward by the Robertshaw family.

Planners have recommended the plans for approval, with a council conservation expert saying while the loss of the pub was “regrettable”, the applicant’s plans to re-do previous “unsympathetic alterations”, such as flat-roof extensions and modern windows, were to be welcomed.

In a letter to a planning committee, Hannah Meekings, design and conservation officer at the council, said: “The proposal includes the reconfiguration of the modern extensions to make them more traditional in their form and appearance and reinstatement of traditional details such as sash windows.

“Subject to control of details such as materials and finishes, these proposals are welcomed and will restore some of the character and architectural interest of the building.”

The Grade II-listed building was originally built as a farmhouse in the 17th century but later became a pub and was extended in the 19th century.

Planners had already given permission for the building to be turned into six homes but the site has since changed hands.

A statement put forward on behalf of the Robertshaw family said: “The public house has been vacant for around 36 months and was previously owned by a major pub chain who, given the current climate in the pub establishment business, believed it was not a viable proposition for them to keep this site.

“There are also a number of public houses serving food in the local area so to reopen the pub and create a successful business would not be feasible.”

Under the plans, the beer garden would become a communal garden, the statement says.

It adds: “Materials used will be traditional in their nature, natural stone where walling up openings, timber sash windows painted dark, painted solid timber four-panel doors, dark painted timber guttering where replacement is required.

“Stone flags will be repaired and replaced externally to yard areas.

“It should also be noted that the building has been subjected to a number of break-ins in recent months which have been reported to the police so the proposed development of this building need to be addressed before further key features are stolen or other attacks on this listed property happen.”

The application has attracted one objection from a neighbour, raising issues about drainage.

The Bradford area planning panel meets at City Hall at 10am on Wednesday to discuss the plans.