AN ACCOUNTING firm has been given the green light to expand.

Councillors on the Huddersfield Planning Sub-Committee yesterday said they wanted to support Anne Nattress’ plan as it would create more jobs at her Scapegoat Hill firm.

Mrs Nattress, who runs AK Payroll Services, was seeking planning permission to change the use of an empty property at 23 High Street.

It was lived in until it was repossessed and put on the market. When it failed to sell it was put up for auction and Mrs Nattress bought it and applied for a change of use.

Objectors raised concerns about parking, the lack of bus provision for workers and loss of a residential property.

Those in support say it will lead to job creation.

Andy Rushby, a planning consultant, spoke against the application: “The proposed office is in a village that is almost entirely residential.

“There are far more suitable locations for offices in the Colne Valley – Milnsbridge and Slaithwaite for example.

“This is not the right place for offices. No-one supports jobs and growth more than I do – this is not the best location for it.”

Mark Sidding, whose family lives above the property, added: “There is no on-street parking for this property. How will the authority control and enforce on-site parking to ensure highways safety is maintained?”

Two residents spoke in favour of the application. Carrie France said: “This property does not lend itself to residential.”

Mrs Nattress spoke at the planning committee and said: “I’ve been running AK for six years totally unobtrusively in the village. Until this application went in some people didn’t know I was there.

“The property has the look and feel of a shop; it was with three estate agents and failed to sell as residential use.”

The approval will provide jobs for up to three more full-time members of staff and one part-time position.

Clr Nicola Turner, who moved the approval, said: “There are commercial premises along High Street already.

“The main issues relate to traffic and noise. During our site visit there were no car movements. I can’t see there will be any noise coming from this business.

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t have this very friendly business employing local people in Scapegoat Hill.”

The vote was unanimous in favour.