A FIRE-ravaged mansion house could be converted into luxury apartments if new plans are approved.

The property, on the sprawling St Ives estate at Harden, was badly damaged in a huge blaze in early March.

The Grade II listed building had been vacant long before the fire, which police deemed to be arson and was attended by around 50 firefighters.

No arrests have yet been made as part of the investigation.

Now a planning application to convert the 25,000sqft property into 29 flats has been submitted to Bradford Council by Amir Hussain.

The application says the changes will “provide practical use for a vacant building”.

The mansion's most recent use was as a disability care home, but that closed in 2016 and the property has been vacant since.

It was purchased by Vision Care in 2021.

The planning application is seeking approval to convert the building from a 50-bed care home to 29 apartments, and says there will be minimal changes to the listed property, with most of the work being internal.

The flats would be a mix of 15 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom apartments.

The planning application says: “It is proposed by our client to convert the empty nursing home into 29 luxury apartments. The current building footprint allows for one-bed, two-bed and duplex apartments, as constrained by the deep footprint and existing window openings.

“The change of use does not affect the primary facade and retains the heritage of the building visually. All existing window and door openings are to be retained.

“The change of use proposal is of good design and certainly adds a positive contribution and significance back into the local character and distinctiveness of the St Ives area. The changes will in fact create visual improvements and a better appearance to the rear facade and the immediate area. Basically, it provides a practical and active re-use for the currently vacant building.

“The change of use would be situated in a desirable address and in an affluent area with a good postcode for professional residents and/or families.”

It is believed that much of the application was drawn up before the fire, as the design and heritage statement included in the planning documents says: “The general interior of the mansion is in a good state.”

It goes on to show photographs of the period features inside the building.

A decision on the application is expected next month.