It is almost four years since East Riding Council approved plans to transform “eyesore” flats in a Hessle conservation area into upmarket homes.
Now, six stunning apartments at 40 Southfield are being advertised for sale, with a starting price of £250k. Councillors were told in the autumn of 2021 that the flats, in what was once a grand Victorian villa and where drug equipment was found after it was left in a poor condition for years, were to be renovated.
The plans said the building, which dates from 1860, could be extended at the rear with new dormer windows and roof lights also set to be installed. Seven objections were lodged against the application, with people saying that while they agreed with the conversion in principle, they were concerned there would not be enough parking.
Other objectors said they were concerned that their homes would be visible from the flats, affecting their privacy, with Hessle Town Council also strongly objecting over parking. David Etridge, agent for the developer behind the application, said at the time that the works would restore the building to its former glory.
In a report by Hull Live, Mr Etridge said: “Our plans will change these from seven very poor quality flats into six high-quality ones. The flats are currently in an extremely poor state, they haven’t been maintained for about 20 years.
“Some flats were still being let out until last year, needles and other drugs items were found in some of them. There’s only been a few objections to the plans, but hopefully locals will be able to appreciate the enhancement this will bring to the area.
“The building’s been an eyesore for a while, these plans will restore it to its former glory. Parking facilities will be better, the front of the site will be used whereas only a section of the front driveway was used before.”
Limb estate agents is marketing the Southfield apartments, which include two ground-floor homes to the front, each with two bedrooms; a two-bedroom property to the rear ground floor, two three-bedroom duplexes on the first floor and a first-floor plus mezzanine dwelling, with two bedrooms, also on the first floor. All of the properties come with two parking spaces and the most expensive apartment is being offered for £345k.
Of this highest-priced home, Limb said it was an “exceptional two/three bed duplex apartment” in an “outstanding conversion of a grand Victorian villa”. The particulars state: “Character and period features blend seamlessly with stunning new fittings.”
The property, including a rear balcony, features “grand proportions and high ceilings”, forming part of the renovation of the original building. The entrance hall is of double height with a staircase leading to the upper floor; a stunning living room has a grand bay window and is open-plan to the dining kitchen, fitted with an array of high-spec units with integrated appliances.