Plans for 565 students’ flats get go-ahead

Jan 23 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

NEW flats for hundreds of people will be put up near Huddersfield University.

Planners yesterday approved the building of three apartment blocks on Colne Road.

The former Huddersfield Technical College annexe and the Daval Furniture Shop were demolished to make way for the development.

Mandale Commercial Ltd will build a block of 24 two-bedroom flats and 12 one-bedroom apartments and two blocks of student housing for 167 people.

The development by the River Colne will have 52 parking spaces, including seven for disabled drivers.

Kirklees Council’s Huddersfield Planning Sub-committee unanimously approved the plan.

Clr Peter McBride said the development was in a good location close to the university.

The Dalton Labour man said: “The university has succeeded in developing in a really compact area. I think this is first class.”

Clr McBride also praised the developer’s promise to use natural stone with a blue slate roof.

Clr Ann Denham also supported the development, but added that it should include a pedestrian crossing on Colne Road.

The Almondbury Lib Dem said: “There’s already a need for a zebra crossing there but it’s going to be even more necessary when extra people move into the area.”