A COUNCILLOR is calling for action to be taken against premises which fail to meet listed building regulations in the town centre.
Lib Dem Clr Christine Stanfield, who chairs the Area Committee, believes unsightly buildings in St Peter’s Square are having a detrimental impact on the historic area of the town.
And she wants action to be taken against those who flout the rules, including Lifeline, the drug and alcohol support service.
Clr Stanfield said: “There are unsightly grilles over all the ground-floor windows, both back and front and air-conditioning units across the back of the building which have been sited without listed planning permission.
“The result is truly appalling.
“Added to this there are smashed cellar sights on the pavements on Station Street adding the to the run-down look of the area.
“If the tenant of 2 St Peter’s Street – Lifeline – which does provide a vital service, needs to be fortified like a prison, it should not be in a historic building in the heart of the conservation area.”
Speaking on what she believed the alternative solution could be, she added: “I don’t believe the patients treated by this service live in the area.
“We have a fantastic town centre and this building is in the middle of a conservation area.”
Lifeline manager Bridget Hughes said: “We inherited the grilles on the windows from the previous tenant and the landlord is responsible for any breaches of listed building consent.
“We are aware that our air conditioning unit is breaching planning consent.
“We have had issues with our contractor and as a result have changed to another provider and will ensure the unit is relocated as soon as possible.”
“A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “The planning permission for the Lifeline centre was granted in October 2005 for change of use of 12 Station Street to include a substance misuse centre. The air conditioning units must be relocated, and iron grilles are also unauthorised.
“These matters are subject to enforcement action being taken to require their removal.”
