TAYLOR Hill residents are angry over plans to demolish a historic house.

Developers S and A G Young want to knock down Bankfield House on Holmcliffe Avenue and replace it with 16 flats.

Local residents are concerned about increased traffic, a lack of parking spaces and the danger posed to children walking to local schools.

A meeting in the nearby Bluebell pub was attended by about 30 residents.

Mr Paul White, 36, of Priestly Grove, said: "Bankfield House is not listed, but it is part of Huddersfield's heritage.

"The planning officers say their role is to preserve the cultural heritage of Kirklees wherever possible."

The house was built in 1864 for James Priestley.

It was designed by William Henry Crosland, the noted architect who also built Rochdale Town Hall.

Mr White, a sales manager, said the property had been divided into flats for some time. It missed out on being listed because some internal fittings and chimney blocks had gone missing.

Mr White added: "The loss of Bankfield will result in increased traffic in the area.

"The roads are quite narrow and there are a lot of children that use the roads going up to Newsome High and junior schools."