The plans to put the building on the market have sparked much opposition with residents and ward councillors claiming the hall is part of their heritage and should remain under public ownership.

But council officials say the building, on the corner of Thornton Square and Market Street, has become a drain on the tax payer and would need major improvements, totalling up to £467,000, if the council kept it.

A new boiler and improved disabled access would both have to be installed.

They stressed even after sale the building would keep its Grade II listed structure and could not be demolished or significantly altered.

The mayoral seat would be removed to another position – possibly the Civic Hall – while a covenant could be placed to maintain the much-loved clock.

In a report David Gilliard, of the council's surveyor, land and property services, said: "It is surplus to operational requirements and is not required by any other service to the council."

The building, which had average maintenance costs of £10,000 a year, is rented out to private customers.

Supporting the sale idea at the council's regeneration and development scrutiny panel, Colin Raistrick (Ind, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe) said: "No-one wants to see our heritage disappear but it wouldn't do, it's a preserved building so it would stay the same."

Geoffrey Wainwright (Con, Skircoat) added: "Get the damn thing on its way."

But Joyce Cawthra (Con, Brighouse) said it was the only council owned building in the town centre and people did not want to see it become a restaurant.

She said: "Selling it right now wouldn't get full value anyway.

"Can't we give this some time and see if it can be put to better use?"

The issue will now be passed on to council's cabinet where a final decision will be made.