A RESIDENTS' group has slammed plans for a block of flats.

Huddersfield-based company Acumen Designers and Architects wants to demolish a four-bedroomed, 1960s house, Beech Hollow, on Halifax Road, Edgerton, and build a three-storey block of three four-bedroomed flats in its place. The company applied for planning permission in February.

The application is likely to be discussed by a Kirklees Council planning committee on Thursday, May 11.

The design for the flats includes an underground car park for six vehicles, an external car park with six spaces and a lift. The top of the lift will be visible from the outside.

The site is in a conservation area and four trees will have to be cut down to make room for the flats.

But angry neighbours - backed by Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman - say the building will stick out like a sore thumb next to the surrounding homes, 20 of which are listed, largely Victorian buildings.

Dr Grant Roberts, who lives on Hali- fax Road, is spearheading the campaign to get the application overturned.

He said: "The proposed design of the building is very modern and totally out of character for a conservation area.

"It will severely impinge on the many listed buildings around it. Its sheer size will be visually intrusive in a very public and sensitive location.

"An unobtrusive, semi-rural site will be replaced by an `in your face' urban block.

"The building will stick out like a sore thumb and detract immeasurably from what is now a coherent collection of essentially Victorian buildings.

"Many are listed, reflecting Huddersfield's successful past, on one of the most attractive entrances to the town, namely Halifax Road."

"I don't object to new housing being built, but something more in keeping with the rest of the houses would be nice."

Halifax Road has a lot of history to it, much of which is reflected in the architecture.

The Art Nouveau-style house next door to Beech Hollow, Banney Royd, was designed by architect Edgar Wood, who also designed Lindley Clock Tower.

Another neighbouring house was home to the first mayor of Huddersfield.

Kirklees planning officials have received 40 letters of objection. They focus on the alleged inappropriate nature of the building's design.

Dr Roberts has enlisted Mr Sheerman's help and the MP plans to address council planners on the proposed development.

He said: "I can personally see why the residents don't like the designs.

"The development will be on one of the most historic roads in Huddersfield, one famous for its architecture.

"Something with good architectural merit should be built, designed harmoniously with the other buildings.

"The residents are right; the design is wrong for the site. The planning department needs to send the architects back to the drawing board.

"I am very unhappy with the council at the moment. Far too many planning applications are being granted for buildings that are of no benefit to the community."

The application is still being considered. Council planners have not yet made a recommendation. The plans are likely to be discussed at the council's next Huddersfield Area Sub-Committee meeting, on May 11. Dr Roberts plans to address the sub-committee.