Council to pursue housing plan for former Dewsbury station master’s house

Sitting at Wellington Road opposite the railway station, Neil Jordan House is a former station master’s house which has been earmarked for development by the local authority.

The property was put on the market in April of last year, with three cash offers for business/office use received.

But the council would prefer to see a residential conversion and three parties have expressed an interest in this.

One formal proposal is currently under evaluation.

Registered providers of affordable housing have confirmed they are not currently interested in a purchase or undertaking conversion projects and are primarily dealing with new developments.

These details are set out in a report to next week’s meeting of the Dewsbury Town Board. It explains: “Neil Jordan House is a key heritage asset in Dewsbury town centre, and its redevelopment supports the Dewsbury Blueprint and Kirklees regeneration aims; successful redevelopment would enhance town centre living and preserve local character.

“The transformation of Field House (Station Apartments), directly opposite, demonstrates the positive impact and viability of similar schemes.”

If the property goes unsold, risks include: ongoing costs; further deterioration leading to higher future repair costs; and increased risk of anti-social behaviour, vandalism, and break-ins, impacting town centre safety and perception, the report adds.

If the development progresses as hoped, the council wants to enter into an agreement with a developer who would obtain the relevant planning consents.

A building lease would be entered into while construction took place and once complete, the freehold would be transferred to the developer.