ANGRY councillors demanded an explanation after officials pre-empted a planning application.
The former Kirklees Council offices on Eastgate in Honley were advertised as having planning permission for conversion into flats – before any decision was made.
The council’s Huddersfield Planning Sub-committee debated the proposal yesterday.
Greg Cropper objected to the plan to convert the vacant office building in the middle of Honley into eight single-bedroom apartments.
He told the meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall: “I thought there was a planning law in this country.
“Kirklees owns this building and yet this building was advertised four weeks ago as for sale at auction with the benefit of planning permission.
“It’s not right and you must make a stand against this.”
Honley resident Brenda Bodenham, also spoke against the plan at yesterday’s meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall.
“It’s disgusting to see that a sign was up saying these premises had planning permission,” she said.
“It’s an insult to the people of Honley and to each of you.”
Sub-committee member Clr Christine Smith said she was angry at the news.
The Kirkburton Conservative asked: “Which officer authorised this to be advertised at auction with planning permission?
“You’re not getting my vote because nobody takes my vote for granted,’’ she said.
Clr Andrew Cooper was also unhappy about the news.
“It is unacceptable that our democratic view has been assumed,” said the Newsome Green.
The sub-committee voted nine to three in favour of the flat conversion.
