Plans to give town 'landmark' market building

PENISTONE market could get a dramatic new "cathedral" style structure as a centrepiece to the development work going on as part of the town's regeneration.

The new building would be timber framed and designed on the principle of an historic cruck structure, rising to a maximum height of 13 metres.

The market area will be on a main pedestrian route between a new

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supermarket currently in the early stages of construction and Penistone's traditional town centre.

When complete, it would form a covered public area to serve both the market and other public events. The roof, made from slate, would also feature clear panels to allow light into the structure below.

The plans, submitted by developer Mark Dransfield, also include a lower layer of stone to form the base of the building, with clear glazing to allow views inside from all sides.

Under the scheme the markets office will also be refurbished, but most of that work will be restricted to improving the roof.

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The lower plinth has been styled to discourage people from sitting on the stonework, to try to avoid anti-social behaviour in the area and police recommended the use of toughened glass and gates which would be difficult to climb over to add to security.

It was designed with the intention of providing Penistone with a "landmark" building to provide a focal point.

Councillors have examined the plans and will make a decision on whether to go ahead with the scheme later.

A report considered by planners said: "The proposal represents a high quality scheme that well hopefully provide a lift to civic pride and re-enforce the identity of Penistone whilst re-enforcing links with local vernacular styles, materials and methods."

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The new building is in a conservation area, but council planning officers are happy that the building would be in keeping with the character of its surroundings.

It is accepted there have been concerns about the security of the building, but the report states: "The structure has been designed with measures to help mitigate against problems of crime and vandalism.

"These measures include designing the low plinth wall so that it will be sloped and largely uneven making it deliberately uncomfortable to site on. In addition the line of glazing will be placed as near to

the front face of the wall as possible, making any room to sit minimal."

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