A PLANNING application has been submitted to convert a Grade II listed pub into two houses.

Carleton Homes Development Ltd purchased The Manor House Pub on Walkergate, Otley, from Thwaites brewery in October 2023. It had ceased trading as a pub in June 2022.

The plan has been criticised by Otley Pub Club who wanted to see the historic building sold to someone who would keep it going as a pub.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application to Leeds City Council says: "It is the intention of Carleton Homes Development Ltd to restore this mid terrace property back into use as habitable dwellings which were there prior to its use as a pub, and in keeping with the street scene in this residential area of Otley.

"Carlton Homes have considered many design configurations as to what the most appropriate design scheme would be whilst at the same time being commercially viable.

"Plans for 6 apartments, 3 individual houses, a mix of apartments and houses have all been drawn up and considered.

"Local Heritage experts have also been engaged for their important insight into the history of the building and how part of this can be maintained in any new sympathetic scheme.

"After an extensive 6-month period of consideration, Carlton Homes decided the way forward in order to respect the heritage and cultural aspects of the building, then the simplest solution would be the right one: they intend to convert the pub back into its original two houses.

"Rather than look at over developing the site we want to preserve the fabric of the building with a sympathetic restoration that will closely maximise the optimum viable use of the site as well as offer a modern energy efficient home to live within."

Rob Skinner, Chair of Otley Pub Club said: “We are deeply disappointed that Thwaites turned down a very reasonable and exciting bid from an excellent local brewery and instead sold the historic Manor House to a developer.

“There were three parties interested in buying the Manor as a pub, which shows it is perfectly viable and so change of use must be rejected. The Manor is unique and had a unique role in the local pub scene, so planning permission must be refused and we urge people in Otley to object.”