A CONTROVERSIAL phone box at St George’s Square is set to be removed.
The box – which has attracted much controversy – has been refused planning permission.
BT had already installed the dual purpose pay phone and cash machine in a prime location on the square.
But last week the kiosk was described as a ‘monstrosity’ by John Lockwood, former vice-chairman of Huddersfield Civic Society.
The new structure was also slammed by the police, who said it was at risk of being raided by thieves, and by Kirklees Council’s conservation department, who said it was “crudely designed” and employed “poor, unsympathetic materials that do not relate to its traditional context”.
Now Kirklees Council planners have agreed the unsightly box has to go.
A council statement said: “The combined pay-phone and ATM machine, by virtue of its design and unsympathetic materials, in this prominent position within the Huddersfield Town Centre Conservation Area and also being surrounded by a number of Grade I and Grade II Listed Buildings, would not sustain the significance of these designated heritage assets.”
BT is allowed to appeal the decision.
