Removal of stone pillars (within a Conservation Area), 50 Birkby Lodge Road, Birkby, Huddersfield, HD2 2BG 

Application number2025/90753 (click on link to see full application)

On behalf of Huddersfield Civic Society:

“Huddersfield Civic Society does not believe there is a valid reason to remove these two historic gateposts at the entrance to an old property in the Birkby Conservation Area, They mark the entry to a long-established public right of way (PROW) that is used by many pedestrians, including many accessing the Birkby Community Garden. The first part of this PROW has recently been tarmaced, giving easy vehicular access to No 50, the width at the gatepost entrance being sufficiently wide for all regular cars to pass safely through with space to spare.

 The applicant’s “Design and Access Statement and Heritage Statement” is wrong to state that: “The removal of the two damaged stone pillars is a practical and necessary intervention to enhance vehicular access and safety for the property at number 50, Birkby Lodge Road.”

 It is also false to state that “their removal will not compromise the wall’s integrity or the character of the conservation area. The resulting appearance will align with the established aesthetic, seamlessly blending with the adjacent walls and preserving the area’s traditional charm. Additionally, the proposed works respect the heritage status of the site as they will not impact any significant historic buildings and align with national policies for conserving and enhancing the historic environment. Thus, the proposal supports both modern functionality and the preservation of the site’s architectural heritage.”

 In summary, there is no reason for the current applicant to remove the gateposts and disingenuous to claim that removing historical structures in any way enhances the historic environment.

 Accordingly, Huddersfield Civic Society asks that the request be refused.