CECOS College converted two office buildings in the historic Little Germany area into education facilities as part of its expansion into Bradford.
The campus, based at Kelso House on Burnett Street and Parkgate House on Park Gate, opened in September last year.
Now, almost a year after the college began operating from the buildings, an application seeking retrospective permission for the change of use has been submitted to Bradford Council.
A separate listed building consent application has also been lodged for Kelso House, which is Grade II listed.
Dating back to the 1860s, Kelso House is a former warehouse built during a period when Little Germany was at the heart of Bradford’s booming wool trade.
Planning documents say the former office space has been converted to provide classrooms, an IT training room and computer lab, IT suites, a library, student dining area, kitchen and seating areas.
The application states: “CECOS Computing International Ltd operates as a further/higher education provider delivering computing-related courses.
“The proposal comprises the change of use of the building from office use to a college of further/higher education, retaining the existing building envelope, footprint and external appearance in their entirety.”
Documents submitted to the council say the fabric of the listed building will not be altered and no extensions or external changes are proposed.
The application adds: “All works are internal, comprising the removal and formation of internal stud and cavity partitions, as shown on the proposed floor plans and identified in the drawing legends.
“The building will be used as an educational establishment providing classroom-based and computer-based teaching space, together with retained staff, administrative and library.”
Existing ground-floor communal facilities within Kelso House and Parkgate House have also been retained without alteration.
The applicant argues the development provides a sustainable new use for existing commercial space in the city centre.
It adds: “The proposal makes efficient re-use of existing city-centre commercial floorspace for an active education use, in a sustainable, well-connected location.
“Access arrangements are unchanged from the existing building.
“It is respectfully submitted that the proposal represents an appropriate and sustainable reuse of the building and that planning permission should be granted.”
According to the application, the change of use has created 10 full-time jobs.
The college operates between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday.
Bradford Council is expected to make decisions on the two applications in October.
