The Victorian Society has spoken out again over plans for the Rose and Crown building at 43 Northgate, Almondbury.

In a letter to Kirklees Council, James Hughes, its conservation adviser said: “Regarding 43 Northgate, Almondbury, Huddersfield, the Grade II, mid 19th century building and application for the demolition of the building and boundary wall and redevelopment of the site

“Having reviewed the submitted documents I write to you now to reiterate our strong objection to the application.

“Our letter of February 4 clearly outlined our opposition to the original scheme as one which would cause substantial harm to the significance of the listed building and damage the character and appearance of the Almondbury Conservation Area.

“Following ‘amendment’ the application now proposes the complete demolition of the listed structure, thereby rendering what was already an unusually destructive and insensitive scheme even more harmful.

“The original application prompted objections not only from the Victorian Society, but from English Heritage, the Ancient Monuments Society, the Council for British Archaeology and the West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service.

“In the face of such a unified and critical reception from statutory consultees, the lack of improvement in the proposal is profoundly disappointing.

“The application displays an absolute and startling disregard for the historic environment and flies in the face of both local and national legislation on its management. I therefore urge you to refuse consent for this backward and destructive application.”

In February the Examiner reported how residents were concerned about the deterioration of the building which it was claimed was rapidly becoming an eyesore.

An application to convert the Rose and Crown building into retail units, a restaurant and flats triggered concern amongst all the major conservation bodies.

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

Resident Bill Ashbee told the Examiner: “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.”