A family-run garage business is looking for a new home after it was kicked out by developers.
Stephen Byram Motors must leave its King’s Bridge Road premises so 59 flats and four shops can be built on the site.
The popular “garage on the corner” has operated from the location for more than 30 years.
But its lease has been terminated by property bosses who want to transform the site on the corner of Firth Street, near Huddersfield University.
Late last year the closure-threatened firm won a temporary reprieve after councillors urged the developers to try and find a way to include the garage business in the new scheme.
But engineers claimed the cost of sound-proofing needed to integrate the garage into the flats and shops scheme would cost £400,000, making it unfeasible.
Councillors on the committee argued about the need for more student flats.
Labour’s Clr Carole Pattison said she felt people should “move with the times”.
“If we want a successful university we have to have a campus.
“I don’t think a garage is appropriate activity under these student flats. I find it dangerous there as a garage on the corner anyway.”
But veteran Holme Valley South Tories, Clr Ken Sims and Clr Donald Firth, were furious about a successful small business being pushed out.
Clr Sims said: “It’s a shame in my mind to eject a viable company and its workforce.”
“Why on earth it shouldn’t be there is beyond me,” said Clr Firth. “He was there long before any students. “
A vote to pass the application was tied at five each with Labour councillors voting in favour, Conservatives against and the Liberal Democrats abstaining.
But it was approved on the casting vote of the chairman of the committee, Holme Valley North independent, Clr Terry Lyons.
He commented: “I’m sorry to see a business go, but it does sound like it’s already got to leave. It’s a fait accompli.”
The committee was told the council had assisted the firm in finding two potential sites, one in Milnsbridge and one in Honley, but both had been snubbed by the Byrams.
Speaking after the meeting the Byram family said they would like to thank the councillors that talked up for them
They said: “After 30 years we’re very sorry to have to leave. We’re focussing on re-locating and looking after our customers.
“We’ve been successful because the location is right for people. We’ve been looking for a new one for a long time and we’ve never been able to find anywhere that’s right.”
The firm said it would continue to take bookings in the run up to its eviction on March 25.
More student flats are being built near Kirklees Coillege - see the pictures below
