By John Baron
Proposals to demolish a former Pudsey pub dating back to 1916 have been refused by council planners.
Applicant Verma Developments wanted to demolish the former Oddfellows Hall Public House, off Richardshaw Lane, claiming it was a ‘dangerous/unsafe’ structure.
It had applied to demolish the pub and a rear outbuilding under what’s called a Permitted Development Order, which allows developers to make changes to their property without needing full planning permission.
But a council planning officer declined the permitted development application, saying the building is a non-designated heritage asset, with over 100 years of local history.
A council report stated: “The application fails to provide any evidence to support the assertion that the buildings are unsafe and dangerous structures and the buildings were last used as a drinking establishment (and incidental use to that) within the former A4 Use Class.”
Councillor Simon Seary (Cons, Pudsey) had raised concerns that residents had not had the chance to formally object to this application, and that the building’s historical value alone warrants a more thorough and transparent process.
Cllr Seary added: “A building like this should not be lost through shortcuts. Any future plans must go through full planning permission with proper consultation.”
If the applicant wishes to demolish the building, they will now need to reapply with a full planning application which will be open to public comment.
The proposals can be read in full here.
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