Council blames noise fear

details of the proposed extract ventilation system.

A Noise Report compiled for Mr Paxman by consultancy Nova Acoustics itself recommended that operating hours should not exceed 10pm Monday to Saturday and 9pm Sunday. It also recommended all doors and windows should be closed when the restaurant was operating, that staff should be made aware of the impact of excessive noise on the restaurant’s neighbours and that staff should be trained in “noise reductive work practices” where possible.

Recommending refusal of the application to vary the conditions, Kirklees planners said: “It has not been demonstrated that, by extending the hours of operation and opening hours from those originally approved, that there would be no undue harm caused to the amenity of the nearest residential properties, especially when taking into account the mitigation measures set out in the applicant’s own Noise Report.”

It added: “The adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh any benefits of the development.”

Mr Paxman has previously confirmed an interest in setting up a new venture in the building currently occupied by Mirfield Library. Mirfield-based developer Darren Smith offered to build a new library as part of his firm’s St Paul’s Lock retirement complex in a deal which would also see him take possession of the current library building to be converted into an upmarket restaurant.

Kirklees is expected to make a decision on future funding provision for Mirfield Library in the summer.