PLANS to convert a vacant bank in Otley into flats and a retail unit have been given the green light by Leeds City Council.

A listed building application by RCS Properties has been approved this month meaning the former NatWest bank branch at 5-9 Manor Square can now be converted into a retail unit on the ground floor with two, one bed self contained flats and one, three bed self contained flat to the first, second and third floors.

Otley’s branch of NatWest closed in 2017, with the company saying online banking meant fewer people were using its brick and mortar branches. It went under the hammer at a property auction the following year with a guide price of £275,000.

Otley Town Council had objected to the application saying it did not believe the flats meet City Council space standards saying the proposed development "appears to be substandard".

However, a planning officer report granting the development permission states: "The building is grade II listed and also within Otley Conservation Area, with a shopfront facing onto Manor Square. The shopfront will be retained and it is considered the external alterations including the removing and blocking up of the ATM along with the fenestration alterations to the front and rear will be an improvement on the existing appearance. The gates and fence to the bin store will also be acceptable. As such it is considered that subject to conditions the external alterations will not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the existing building, will preserve the historic character of the building. The internal alterations will also be sympathetic subject to conditions, which will not have a detrimental impact on the historic plan form of the building.

"Therefore it is considered the proposed alterations and additions will maintain the special character and appearance of the listed building."

In a supporting document, Stack Architects writes on behalf of the applicant: “The proposals will bring back to life the whole building and assist preservation of the existing fabric and renewal of worn out fixtures and fittings such as waste pipes and windows."

RCS Properties originally submitted plans for the conversion of the buildings on Manor Square back in 2019, which it states was “refused and withdrawn” during “the difficult Covid period”.

The amended change of use and listed building applications were lodged to Leeds City Council in September 2023, and was granted full planning and listed building permission on September 3, 2024.