The state of the former Rose and Crown pub in Almondbury is of growing concern to local residents.

The deterioration of this fine building is rapidly becoming an eyesore.

An application to convert the Rose and Crown building at 43 Northgate into retail units, a restaurant and flats has triggered concern at conservation bodies English Heritage and the Victorian Society.

In common with many local residents they feel the picturesque and historic aspect of Northgate would be damaged by such a development.

Resident Bill Ashbee said: “Almondbury, which pre-dates Huddersfield, still has a great village atmosphere, a major alteration to the Rose and Crown would have a disastrous effect on the visual entrance to the village with its many old and architecturally interesting buildings.”

The site’s redevelopment is important but residents are anxious it will be sympathetic to the village.

Earlier this month the Examiner reported how residents feared the proposed retail and housing development at the site of the former Rose and Crown pub could harm the character of the village.

To provide a forum to discuss their concerns they set up a new residents’ group, Friends of Almondbury Village.

If approved, plans submitted by Wood Associates on behalf of G&R Lees will see the existing Co-op double in size to improve both its product range and bakery and expand its warehouse.

There would also be three more shop units on the ground floor and six flats on the second floor. A landscaped courtyard off Northgate is also included in the proposal.