Developer seeks permission to bring listed building back to life
Mood Developments is seeking planning permission to bring a vacant Grade 2 listed building back to life as new homes in Dewsbury. A decision is expected by 11 December 2019.
What’s the plan?
The proposal for Field House, which is opposite Dewsbury Railway Station on Dewsbury Ring Road, will refurbish, extend and change the use of the listed building from offices to luxury apartments.
The property was last used as offices and has been vacant for some time. If approved, the project will create twenty three high-quality apartments, some of which will be within an additional storey and will be complemented by a restaurant and café in the basement and ground floor respectively.
Who has designed the scheme?
The scheme has been designed by the awarding-winning architectural practice DLA Design based in Leeds, with the aspiration to alter perceptions of the town by demonstrating positive change in a prominent location, announcing this significant regeneration project to all. The scheme will create a positive sense of arrival to Dewsbury, complementing the new high-quality public realm at the railway station forecourt.
When was the property purchased?
The property was purchased by Mood Developments in 2018; their second investment in Dewsbury, following the purchase and refurbishment of the Black Bull which will be re-opening soon.
Who will be supporting the project?
They will be seeking support from the Dewsbury Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme towards the project. The HAZ is a partnership between the Council and Historic England which aims to improve key historic buildings in the Daisy Hill area of the town. The Council and Historic England have committed £2.55m to support the implementation of the HAZ programme.
Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet for Regeneration said:
“I really hope the proposals to refurbish and extend Field House are approved; obtaining planning permission will be an important milestone in the delivery of the project. It will make a significant impact and continue to show our commitment to regenerate Dewsbury town centre. The proposed development has the potential to act as a catalyst for further regeneration of Dewsbury town centre.”
To be honest ,this is great news providing the developer is not restricted by council regulators fluffing their feathers, but instead given constructive assistance to quickly produce one of many beautiful buildings that have been held back for years, keeping fully in line with the full requirement of sensible rules for family housing.
The currently unused Council offices in Mirfield needs to be brought to the front ASAP, it is currently a massive financial loss to the community caused by irresponsible Council Officers wasting financial assets of the community. There are many others in the Kirklees areas.
Money resulting from these currently unused building could be used for community use or economic housing with a benefit to us all.