Plans to revamp a fire-hit property in Queen's Road, Halifax, given green light despite objections

New dormers and refurbishment work can be carried out on a fire-damaged property in Halifax, Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee have ruled.

Concerns that a rear dormer in particular would affect privacy and issues relating to circumstances of the fire which damaged 114 Queen’s Road, were raised by objectors including ward councillor, Coun Jenny Lynn (Lab, Park).

But after hearing from applicant Mohammed Ashraf’s agent that more obscured glass could be used, particularly on a proposed bathroom, members of the committee agreed with their planning officers that approval should be given.

Mr Ashraf was seeking planning permission to build a front and rear dormer as well as the post-fire refurbishment.

Objectors from an Ofsted-regulated training and education centre operating next door expressed overlooking concerns about the privacy of the vulnerable young people attending, who used limited space at the back for recreation. It was space where they felt safe and comfortable but this would be undermined by the “domineering and overbearing” building which would result if the plans were allowed, they said.

Councillor Lynn, who initially objected because of the impact on the street scene, agreed with these concerns in a statement read to councillors.

But officers say the proposal is considered to be acceptable, subject to conditions.

Councillors asked about the possibility of conditioning use of more obscured glass and the applicant’s agent said there would be no objection to this.

Committee members said with this addition they could not see any reason to reject the plans and supported officers’ recommendation to permit the application.