Former stables at historic hall mentioned in the Domesday Book could be turned into restaurant and offices

The application refers to an outbuilding at Royds Hall – one of Bradford’s oldest and grandest properties.

It would involve the building, which is Grade II* listed and was once used for stabling, being divided into four units – a restaurant, a “light commercial” unit and two offices.

Submitted by Mr and Mrs Hussain, the application says the change will give the historic building a new use and prevent it from deteriorating.

Based in the Woodside area, Royds Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Bradford, along with Bolling Hall – and is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

A property has been on the site for over 800 years, although the building that is subject of the new planning application dates back to the late 1600s.

King Henry V gifted Royds Hall to the Rooke family as a gift and this family became tenants of the land in the year 1313.

The Reverend Joseph Dawson wrote religious text at the house whilst local scientist Joseph Priestly may have discovered the element Oxygen there.

The manor house, also Grade II* listed, retains most of its period features, and has a number of gardens over its 50 acres.

Two applications for the outbuilding at the hall have been submitted to Bradford Council – a planning application to change the use of the building and a listed building application, needed because of the building’s protected status.

Each of the new units would be two storey, and the building will be divided into a 130 square metre restaurant, 235 square metre light commercial unit, a 40 square metre office and a 40 square metre research and development unit.

The application says: “The existing condition of the property could be described as ‘satisfactory’ however as time passes it would be reasonable to assume that the property will need considerable attention evidenced by the fact that the floors to the western section have now deteriorated somewhat.”

A new door would be added to the building, along with roof windows.

The Ancient Monuments Society has commented on the plans, saying they have no objection to the principle of converting the building.

However, they urged the applicants to submit more detail as to how the changes would effect the building, and a full report on the outbuilding’s heritage and significance.

A decision on the application is expected to be made by Bradford Council in late May.

Last year the Council granted planning permission to restore a vacant summerhouse in the sprawling grounds of the hall that is thought to date back to the 1770s.