COUNCILLORS are to decide on Thursday [Aug 4] whether developers can convert offices on the ground floor of Rowntree Wharf into more apartments.

If the plans go ahead 34 new homes will be created in the historic building, and planners have recommended the scheme is approved even though it has attracted complaints from people nearby.

Neighbours have written to the planning department with various objections - saying they are worried about flood escape routes and fire exits, the disturbance building work will cause for people already living in the building, and objecting to the loss of office space in the city.

The council's Economic Development Officer has said that ideally the office space should stay, but said that with no businesses so far showing interest in the site because of the quality of the accommodation, they support the residential conversion.

Neighbours have also objected to the housing mix - which will make 24 of the new flats studio flats. At the moment, only three of the 68 flats in Rowntree Wharf only three are bedsits, meaning the new plans would "throw the scheme out of balance".

However, the planning officers say that as Rowntree Wharf, the principle of providing new housing the area is accepted, and with the high cost of bringing the offices up to standard standing in the way of finding another occupier for the office, the residential conversion has to be considered acceptable.