The Kirklees Council District-Wide Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 9 October 2025, to discuss several planning applications and related matters. The meeting will include site visits in the morning, followed by a review of planning applications in the afternoon. Members of the public had the opportunity to submit questions and petitions in advance of the meeting, and to register to speak about the planning applications.

Planning Applications

The committee is scheduled to discuss and review several planning applications. These applications include proposals for change of use and conversions of existing buildings.

Church of the Holy Innocents, Dewsbury

The committee is scheduled to discuss an application for the conversion of the Church of the Holy Innocents in Dewsbury into two dwellings, including a new car park and amenity spaces.

The report pack notes that the application has been brought to the committee due to a significant number of objections. According to the report pack, 49 objections were received, citing concerns such as:

• Conflicts between residents and those visiting graves.
• Noise from residents affecting the graveyard.
• Increased traffic.
• Potential damage to gravestones.
• The loss of the graveyard.

The Church of England has determined that the church is ineligible for vesting¹, meaning that a new use must be found to avoid demolition. The report pack states that the applicant has provided marketing evidence showing that the church has been marketed extensively since April 2020, with more than 50 enquiries received. According to the report pack, the exercise resulted in limited enquiries for uses other than residential conversion proposals and none that were economically viable.

The report pack notes that the West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory Service recommended a written scheme of archaeological investigation is submitted to understand the significance and impact of the proposed changes to the building and churchyard.

The report pack states that Historic Building and Places (Formerly Ancient Buildings Society) have stated that the scheme is almost certainly the best hope for the future of this fine building.

The report pack states that the recommendation is to delegate approval of the application to the Head of Planning and Development, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement² to ensure the maintenance of the church structure, including the spire.

George Avenue, Birkby, Huddersfield

The committee is scheduled to discuss a planning application for the change of use of a dwelling at 81 George Avenue, Birkby, Huddersfield, from a dwelling (use class C3³) to a residential care home (use class C2⁴). The report pack notes that the application has been brought to the committee due to a significant number of objections. According to the report pack, 19 objections were received, citing concerns such as:

• Increased traffic and parking demands.
• Loss of residential character.
• Pressure on local amenities and services.
• Extra noise and disturbance.

The report pack states that the recommendation is to delegate approval of the application to the Head of Planning and Development, subject to conditions.

Far View Crescent, Almondbury, Huddersfield

The committee is scheduled to discuss a planning application for the change of use of a dwelling at 17 Far View Crescent, Almondbury, Huddersfield, from a dwelling (C3) to a children's home (C2).

The report pack notes that the application has been brought to committee at the request of Councillor Alison Munro and due to the significant number of representations received. According to the report pack, 36 objections were received, citing concerns such as:

• Increased traffic.
• Parking on the highway.
• The loss of a garden habitat.
• An increase in crime and anti-social behaviour.

The report pack states that KC Highways Development Management have no objection to the proposal.

The report pack states that the recommendation is to delegate approval of the application to the Head of Planning and Development, subject to conditions.

Other Matters

Apologies and Substitutions

The committee is scheduled to note any apologies for absence and any substitutions to the membership of the committee. Councillor Sheikh Ullah is recorded as having sent apologies for absence.

Previous Minutes

The committee is scheduled to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2025.

Declaration of Interests

The committee is scheduled to record any declarations of interest from members regarding items on the agenda.

Public Questions, Deputations and Petitions

The committee is scheduled to receive any public questions, deputations or petitions.