A PLANNING application for one of the biggest residential developments in Bradford in years has been submitted to Bradford Council.

A scheme to redevelop the former Hallmark Cards site in Heaton, creating 385 flats, was first announced last month. Now a full planning application for the ambitious redevelopment has been submitted by Barnsley-based property developer, The Investment Room.

The building was constructed in the 1930s as the headquarters of W N Sharpe, and was bought by Hallmark in 1984.

In 2015 Hallmark announced it would be consolidating its staff, moving workers from Bingley Road site to its Dawson Lane site in Tong.

The site, including the main Grade II listed building, they left behind was put on the market and was sold for £6.5 million earlier this year.

Last month a public consultation into the plans was held, and the developers say it was “well attended.” Suggestions made by the public have led to changes to the original plans, including a new pedestrian and cycle entrance at the existing Thorn Lane entrance to the site, and allowing members of the public who live outside of the proposed development to access certain facilities on the site.

The newly submitted planning application reveals that the main, 1930s art deco building would be converted into 144 luxury flats if the planning application is approved.

The factory building to the rear of the main building will be partially demolished to slab level but the existing basement will be retained. A new building made up of 137 flats will be built in its place, with the basement turned into a gym for residents.

A five storey building made up of 104 flats would also be built on the site.

An existing plant building will be converted into a community building, that will also be open to the wider public, containing work space for and a small shop.

In total the development will include 113 Studios, 215 one bed flats and 57 two bed flats, as well as 395 car parking spaces.

The application says: “The proposed scheme represents a sustainable form of development which would pay sufficient

respect to the character of the site and surrounding area.”

Access to the site would be from Bingley Road, with the existing access from Thorn Lane closed. A new pedestrian access would be created from Bingley Road, and another pedestrian access point would be provided from Thorn Lane.

Lee Jones, Managing Director, of The Investment Room said: “We held a very well attended public exhibition and there was a lot of interest in the plans, as we expected. We had the full range of comments and were encouraged with the overall positive sentiment of local residents about the proposals and will keep everyone updated as the plans progress.

A decision on the application is expected in the New Year.