A VICTORIAN villa which has been empty for almost 20 years is set to be brought back to life.

Planning permission has been granted to turn Westfield House, on Victoria Road, a former hostel, into a residential care facility which will see the house refurbished and a new single storey detached apartment block built.

Talem Healthcare Group submitted the planning application which was approved by Barnsley Council. The work will be carried out by Emerald Developments.

The house was originally built in 1876 by William Munford for J H Watson, who at the time was the bank manager for the Wakefield and Barnsley Union Bank.

The building was last used as a hostel for homeless young people before its closure in 2000 due to noise complaints and antisocial behaviour. The house is in a conservation area, which means the renovation will have to comply with the interests of preserving and enhancing the architectural or historic interest of the building.

Work is expected to begin in February.