Public inquiry to decide fate of run-down landmark building

Andrew Robinson

A PUBLIC inquiry is to be held in November to decide whether a council should be allowed to buy a run-down listed building.

Kirklees Council is seeking to compulsory purchase Dewsbury’s Grade II listed Pioneer House, claiming the owners have not kept up with repairs and maintenance.

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A planning inspector will hear evidence from all interested parties before deciding whether he can recommend that the council’s compulsory purchase order (CPO) should be confirmed.

The Order was made to “secure the proper preservation of a listed building” when the owners failed to comply with a repairs notice served by the council last year.

The current owners, Stayton Group, have objected to the compulsory purchase.

Coun Paul Kane, chairman of the Dewsbury Regeneration Board, said: “Pioneer House is a landmark building in the town and we have been concerned for some time that the owners have not kept up with repairs and maintenance, risking the building falling into further disrepair.

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“The CPO would bring the building into council ownership and ensure it is restored to its rightful condition. It is extremely important for the town that Pioneer is not left to fall into further disrepair and neglect.

The public inquiry will open at Dewsbury Minster on Wednesday November 3.