Land off Huddersfield Road/Leeds Road, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9AA

demolition of existing buildings. Erection of retail food store and associated parking and landscaping

Authority: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Hearing
Development: retail · Minor retail and services
Inspector: Hickey A

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposed development on the vitality and viability of Birstall District Centre (BDC).

What decided it

The Inspector concluded that any trade diversion from existing convenience stores would be limited in scale and would not undermine the overall vitality and viability of Birstall District Centre.

the limited and uncertain retail impact on existing convenience stores, together with the heritage improvement from replacing a dilapidated non-designated heritage asset, did not amount to harm sufficient to outweigh the acceptability of the scheme, and the appeal was allowed.

Framework references: 94, 95

Plan policies cited: Policy LP13

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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