A derelict Bradford pub is set to be restored to its former Victorian glory after a redevelopment project was given the go-ahead by Council planning officers.

The Duke of York Inn in Dean Lane, Thornton, which closed its doors in late 2012, will now be converted into six cottages, retaining many of the building’s original features as a 19th century farmhouse.

The developer, Leeds-based 2View Properties, said the scheme aimed to provide “affordable rural housing for local people”.

Its spokesman Matloob Khan said: “This is a fantastic project to restore a beautiful building to how it would have looked more than a 100 years ago.

“Locals and neighbours have been very supportive of our planning application and we have worked with the Council to help solve the shortage of one and two-bed properties in the area.”

Architects on the project are the Bingley-based firm, SKP Design Services, and Mr Khan said they had really “delved into history” to ensure the building retained an authentic feel.

SKP owner, Simon Paxford, said: “The cottages will be back-to-back, similar to their use around 1850. They will be ideal as starter properties for professionals, people wanting to downsize, or young families who want to live out in the country but still commute into Bradford, Leeds, Halifax and Keighley.”

The property is grade II listed due to its external features, but the new proposal received support from both conservation and planning officers given its commitment to the building’s traditional design.

Councillor Malcolm Sykes (Con, Thornton and Allerton) praised the decision to restore the building’s original appearance. “This project is excellent news for the area, and it is great to see the site being brought back into use,” he said.