Listed building consent for installation of a lowered ceiling along with other alterations at a former Huddersfield town centre bank within a Conservation area, 27 Market Place, Huddersfield

Planning application number 2025/92395 (click on link to see the full planning application).

This is the former Royal Bank of Scotland in Market Place which was the subject of a successful application last year to convert into an adult gaming centre (planning application 2023/93615).

The applicant has now applied for permission to install a false ceiling over a feature plaster ceiling in the original entrance way.

Comments On behalf of Huddersfield Civic Society:

Huddersfield Civic Society objects to the particular detail in this latest application to install a false ceiling on the ground floor level intended to cover/obscure a grand, possibly Victorian, moulded ceiling.

The planning and heritage statement concedes that the ceiling in question has: “A coffered structure sectioned into eight squares. Six of these divisions feature highly decorative coving in several layers with floral patterns to the recesses. In each coffer there is a central ceiling rose decorated in blue. Where the divisional lines of each coffer converge there is a circular extrusion detail.”

It would seem more appropriate to leave this feature visible and, in fact, a feature that could be highlighted by the tenant.

Paragraph 208 of the NPPF sets out that ‘local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal. They should take this into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset to avoid or minimise any conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal.’

The Kirklees Local Plan Policy LP35 describing Historic Environment states: “Development proposals affecting a designated heritage asset should preserve or enhance the significance of the asset.” 

On a separate application (2025/64/92270/W)we notice a requirement for large illuminated signage which we would also like to object to.

There seems to be an acceptance that signs of this nature are acceptable within Huddersfield town centre Conservation Area when Calderdale council has adopted a more encouraging stance which these comments (below) on an application to Calderdale Council to be allowed to install signs for a sweet shop  called Sweets Heaven at 33 Northgate in Halifax town centre:

“The proposed aluminium and acrylic illuminated fascia sign and aluminium and acrylic illuminated hanging sign by reason of their design, style, material and method of illumination would form a most discordant and intrusive feature on the listed building harming its significance through degradation of character and appearance and adversely affecting the wider conservation area and in which the site is located.

“No clear and convincing justification or public benefits have been demonstrated to outweigh the harm caused.”