Reserved Matters Application for Erection of Three Sculptural Features, New Street, Huddersfield
Reserved Matters Application for Erection of Three Sculptural Features, New Street, Huddersfield.
To see the application click here.
A public consultation is now underway which ends on January 7, 2022.
Comments made on behalf of Huddersfield Civic Society
Huddersfield Civic Society voiced major concerns regarding these proposals at the outline stage.
Since this time further consultation has re-affirmed the society’s concerns particularly in relation to the following:
The initial Heritage Impact Assessment stated: ‘They will not have any physical impact on the listed buildings and will only have a positive visual impact within the conservation area streetscape’. It is still unclear how this ‘positive visual impact within the Conservation Area’ has been assessed, given that the statement was made before any designs were forthcoming.
It appears that the features will comprise 3 blocks in which the sculptures will sit. Each block is 3m x 3m square and 1.2 m high (with various complex anchors into the ground). Soil on the top of the ‘planters’ will, presumably, hold the ivy, which we understand is to grow up the sculptures and presumably cover much of the ‘artwork’. Metal frames rising from the block will rise 12m (almost 40ft) above New Street. The society is not convinced these designs are compatible with the architectural and historic features of New Street, particularly the setting of 14 listed buildings.
As great a concern is the ability of Kirklees Council to maintain these features, both with regard to the structures and the planting that will grow up them. The society has previously raised concerns regarding the poor maintenance of street furniture and landscape features. Many fixtures require repainting, graffiti removal or simply replacement. The bigger picture, as outlined in the town centre blueprint, cannot be successfully achieved without attention to detail. Proper maintenance is essential if perceptions are to be improved.
Until it can be demonstrated that Kirklees Council has both a management regime and a revenue pot for ensuring such features are adequately maintained these sculptures risk becoming an eyesore and counter-productive to the aim of restoring vitality and economic vibrancy to the town centre.
To see the application click here.
A public consultation is now underway which ends on January 7, 2022.
Comments made on behalf of Huddersfield Civic Society
Huddersfield Civic Society voiced major concerns regarding these proposals at the outline stage.
Since this time further consultation has re-affirmed the society’s concerns particularly in relation to the following:
The initial Heritage Impact Assessment stated: ‘They will not have any physical impact on the listed buildings and will only have a positive visual impact within the conservation area streetscape’. It is still unclear how this ‘positive visual impact within the Conservation Area’ has been assessed, given that the statement was made before any designs were forthcoming.
It appears that the features will comprise 3 blocks in which the sculptures will sit. Each block is 3m x 3m square and 1.2 m high (with various complex anchors into the ground). Soil on the top of the ‘planters’ will, presumably, hold the ivy, which we understand is to grow up the sculptures and presumably cover much of the ‘artwork’. Metal frames rising from the block will rise 12m (almost 40ft) above New Street. The society is not convinced these designs are compatible with the architectural and historic features of New Street, particularly the setting of 14 listed buildings.
As great a concern is the ability of Kirklees Council to maintain these features, both with regard to the structures and the planting that will grow up them. The society has previously raised concerns regarding the poor maintenance of street furniture and landscape features. Many fixtures require repainting, graffiti removal or simply replacement. The bigger picture, as outlined in the town centre blueprint, cannot be successfully achieved without attention to detail. Proper maintenance is essential if perceptions are to be improved.
Until it can be demonstrated that Kirklees Council has both a management regime and a revenue pot for ensuring such features are adequately maintained these sculptures risk becoming an eyesore and counter-productive to the aim of restoring vitality and economic vibrancy to the town centre.