Change of use and conversion of existing buildings into 19 student apartments and 6 dwellings, 61-65 New Street, Huddersfield

Listed building within a Conservation Area planning applications 2021/93305 and 93306 from 2021 but revisited in 2024 (click on the link to see the full application).

Change of use and conversion of existing buildings, forming split-level six storey development comprising four-storey stairwell, four-storey roof-top tower block and enclosed courtyard to create 19 student apartments and 6 dwellings for general occupancy, sub-division of the retail unit forming 61-63 New Street. Also listed building consent application for this scheme as it’s in a Conservation Area. 

These applications are open for comments once again and have become of interest due to a fresh application for the same/adjoining property.

Comments on behalf of Huddersfield Civic Society:

Huddersfield Civic Society concurs with the updated comments submitted by Kirklees Conservation Officer, dated July 24, 2023 and hopes that this application, given the length of time that has elapsed since it was originally submitted, can now be conditionally approved. It also notes that an original objection submitted by the owner of the nightclub on Ramsden Street/Victoria Lane appears to have been negated by the recent application 2024/91269 to convert the club to a sports bar and members’ billiard club.

These are the original Huddersfield Civic Society comments from 2021:

Huddersfield Civic Society concurs with the views of the Kirklees Conservation officer as below, but emphasise that issues need to be resolved given it has been two years since the application was submitted.

“The Conservation and Design Team supports a proposal which brings vacant floor space into use with the conversion of the former warehouse and upper floors of 63 and 65 New Street into apartments, whilst retaining historic features and restoring the external historic fabric.

“We would prefer the shop fronts on New Street to be restored with traditional detailing so this prominent elevation is enhanced. However, we have concerns about the scale and design of the proposed apartment block which will be highly visible from the Cultural Heart area, particularly from the proposed events space on the piazza and in context with the Grade II listed Huddersfield Library. We do not consider the current proposal preserves or enhances the character of the conservation area from this aspect with the justification unconvincing and insufficient public benefits submitted.”