Controversial homes scheme at Liberal Club site wins backing

Scores of people have objected to M&S Development Properties Ltd’s plan to demolish the former club and to build nine two-storey homes on the site at Belgrave Crescent.

But members of Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee will be advised to grant planning permission for the scheme when they meet on Tuesday.

The local authority received 33 letters of objection, two letters of representation and two letters in support of the proposed development.

The number of objections, coupled with a request by Councillor Peter Caffrey, has prompted the planning committee to consider the proposal.

A report for councillors explained: “This application has attracted a considerable number of formal objections and telephone calls to ward councillors.

“Whilst the opposition to redevelopment as such is limited, there is concern that the proposed houses are out of keeping in an area that is predominantly bungalows and the density is higher than desirable.

“I feel therefore that this application, if recommended for approval at officer level, should be considered by the planning committee which will also provide an opportunity for any residents to express their concerns verbally.”

Those supporting the scheme say they would be pleased to see the existing building on the site demolished, branding it an “eyesore.”

They claim the site is becoming a dumping ground and fear that if left, rats will be encouraged.

They add they have never been troubled with traffic or children.

Supporters say the scheme is “the perfect way to redevelop derelict land”.

Critics claim the development will bring more children and noise to an area occupied mostly by older people who are “looking for a quiet life”.

They say the environment needs to be maintained “for people already feeling vulnerable and determined to be independent in their own homes,” and claim “a block of family homes would cause undue stress”.

There are also fears it would increase traffic, devalue existing properties and lead to loss of privacy and daylight.

According to the report Halifax MP Linda Riordan is also against the scheme, claiming “it will not enhance the community and local area”. She adds, “the Belgrave area has many elderly and vulnerable people living there, many of whom believe that only bungalow-type properties will maintain the nature of the environment”.

She also MP claims there are better uses for the land and says the proposal will add little to the “vitality, visual aspect and ambiance of the community.”

The development would contain eight semi-detached homes and one linked by a garage.

Critics also say there is no demand for family housing in the area and argue the development should consist of bungalows to stay in keeping with existing properties.

There are claims visitor parking spaces are inadequate and the development will cause difficulty in accessing the back of existing bungalows.

But the report notes that the building has been vacant for some time and is surrounded by land which is not maintained.

It says: “Currently it does not serve to enhance the character of the area and if it were to be left undeveloped it would decline further.

“It is considered that the benefit of tidying up the site and providing new family housing outweighs the loss of the undesignated heritage asset”.

The report says the site, which has been vacant for at least 18 months and has no recognised conservation value, is within an urban area and “there are no adverse impacts that would outweigh the benefits”.