THE refurbishment of a huge, derelict building in Bradford city centre will progress without the “managed accommodation” originally proposed for the development.

Bradford Council had said it “would not be interested” in using the conversion of the Stephenson Building on Listerhills Road to house teenagers in Council care.

Work to convert the huge building into housing dates back over 14 years.

But no schemes have ever progressed, and the building is now derelict, missing much of its roof.

Last year the conversion plans were brought back to life when H M Properties applied for permission to kick start the previously approved plans to convert the building into flats.

The development would restore the six storey building, the former headquarters of a soap manufacturer, and see a nine storey “residential node” built on the side.

It would create around 120 flats and a roof terrace.

In the application, which was approved earlier this year, the developer said they were in discussions with Bradford Council to take up to three storeys of the building to be used as managed accommodation for 15-19 year olds in care.

The other flats in the building would go on the open market.

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More recently the company has applied for permission to amend its existing planning application - with the managed accommodation element being removed.

Now all the flats would be on the open market.

These changes have now been approved by planning officers, who revealed that the Council had not shown an interest in taking on parts of the development to provide housing for vulnerable children.

The report said: “The Council has not engaged with the applicant in relation to the latter type of accommodation and has confirmed that it would not be interested in partnering or being a provider of that type of accommodation at this location or within this type of development.”

But the conversion of the building into flats is still supported, with planners saying: “The building is in a derelict state and its proposed re-use would benefit its presence in this part of the City Centre. Further providing residential units within the City Centre to the benefit of its vitality and viability.”

When asked about the discussions between the Council and the developer, a Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “The Council has no comment on this amended planning application.

“We are constantly reviewing our accommodation requirements in order to meet the specific needs of our children and young people.”

The developer’s application for the proposals said it would provide a “statement building on a key site” in the city.

The building, a short distance from the University of Bradford, was once the headquarters for Stephenson Brothers Ltd soap manufacturers.

The site was once earmarked for a major regeneration as part of the Listerhills Village plan - a £90 million scheme that would have seen the area transformed into a mix of shops, offices, student housing, a shop and medical facilities.

Under the Listerhills Village plans, Stephenson’s Building would have been converted into student housing.

The condition of the building has become steadily worse in recent years, and it is subject to squatting and anti social behaviour.