Halifax church can be turned into flats despite parking concerns
Plans to turn a Halifax church into six apartments have been approved despite worries about parking.
Six objections had been lodged against the application to convert Waterloo Hall, on Savile Park Road in Bell Hall, into the new flats – all raising concerns about there not being enough parking in the area.
Some stressed that when the church was in use, many of its congregation walked there, so parking was not an issue.
One said: “This street is already full with people and cars.
"We have several businesses already running on the street. People are blocking entrances to businesses to park.”
But a planning officer’s report which concluded the application should be allowed said: “Historically, the former church would have generated a demand for travel by a combination of sustainable modes and private car, with on-street parking typically taking place on Emscote Street South and Savile Park Road.
"From site observations, it is noted that daytime parking availability midweek is limited, although demand is less constrained during evenings and weekends.
"The scheme is located in a sustainable location, offers good public transport accessibility, and includes provision for secure cycle storage, thereby supporting modal choice and reducing reliance on the private car in accordance with both local and national transport policies.
"On this basis, it is considered unreasonable to object to the application on parking grounds, and there are no highway objections to the proposed development.
"Parking restrictions are in place locally, to ensure the free flow of traffic is maintained.
"The proposed development comprises six apartments with no off-street parking provision. It is acknowledged that this will necessitate some reliance on on-street parking; however, this would be no different to the historic situation when the church was operational.”
According to the application, five of the apartments would have two bedrooms and one would have one bedroom.
A planning and heritage statement submitted with the bid said it would bring a range of benefits including “spending by future residents in local shops”, council tax payments and social benefits from the provision of new housing.
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