College plans deferred
COUNCILLORS RAISE CONCERNS OVER FINANCIAL VIABILITY OVER HIGHFIELDS FLATS SCHEME
PLANNERS have deferred a scheme to create flats within the former Kirklees College building - after concerns were raised over how financially viable the project is.
They are asking the owner of the 1830s castellated landmark to clarify whether the 33 apartments earmarked for the site will be sold or rented out.
And they are seeking further detail on the financial viability of the development - and how that will impact on the surrounding area.
The Grade II listed building, known as Highfields, built in 1839, was bought in 2018 in a £1.25m deal by brothers Andrew, Nicholas and Simon Mear, owners of San Pedro
Properties.
Outlining his vision to Kirklees Council’s seven-member Strategic Planning Committee Andrew Mear said: “We are developers in Huddersfield town and hold Huddersfield close to our hearts.
“This property will be part of the family’s portfolio and will be rented to what I perceive as professionals and a mix of students. That’s what we’ve got in other properties in the area.”
The committee expressed surprise that the flats would be for rent, as a financial viability assessment showed selling the flats would present a low profit margin.
Consequently it was agreed that the developer would be excused from paying a £101,000 open space contribution.
Senior Labour councillor Carole Pattison (Greenhead) said she was apprehensive over the viability of the plan. She was backed by Conservative colleague Donna Bellamy (Colne Valley).
Clr Will Simpson (Lab, Denby Dale) commented: “It’s important that this building is brought back into use but if we are going to be potentially foregoing significant sums of money we have to be absolutely certain of the basis on which we’re makingthat decision.
“And I don’t think we are at the minute.”
Head of Planning Mathias Franklin said: “We need to bear in our minds the benefits of bringing the building back.
“That doesn’t mean we can’t revisit the viability and check the rental model solution and see what that throws out.”
The committee voted unanimously for deferment.