Shopping mall plan gets more time

The three-year time limit for the planning permission for phase two of Huddersfield’s Kingsgate development had run out.

The council’s planners have now granted developer WD Kingsgate an extension of the planning permission.

The development would see a second shopping mall next to the existing centre, taking in Oldgate House, Wildcats nightclub and the former Palace Theatre.

The two-storey extension would also include a 190-space underground car park, space for an anchor tenant and seven smaller stores.

Peter Everest, of developer WD Ltd, said the current economic climate was “very difficult” but it was hoped the scheme would eventually go ahead.

He said: “We are continuing to work up the concept of phase two. We have got to keep the planning consent alive.

“We are working further on it but, at the moment, it’s not a viable proposition. By the time the world has stabilised a bit it may be a viable proposition.”