Horbury: Plans to convert WW2 gas site into café rejected

Plans to convert one of Britain's last surviving World War Two gas decontamination centres into a café-bar have been rejected.

Developers also wanted to build a gym, offices and a rooftop jacuzzi next to the listed building in Horbury.

Council planning officers have turned down the project as it would have "failed to preserve the special historic interest" of the structure.

The proposal to revamp Horbury Business Complex was met with 57 objections.

The site, next to the town's library and town hall, contained one of the last remaining wartime civilian gas decontamination centres.

It was constructed in 1939 to provide an area for casualties of gas attacks to receive first aid treatment.

Following a campaign by local historians, it was given Grade II listed status in 2019.

Proposals made by Bootland Property would have seen the structure converted into a war-themed café on the ground floor if approved.

It was suggested that Ministry of Home Security posters from the era could be displayed on the walls of the new facility.

A glass structure would also have been added to the roof to create office space.

A heritage statement submitted on behalf of the developer said the "unique history" of the building could have become "part of the destination and appeal" for visitors.

Additional plans included a new three-storey building with gym, office and rooftop spa facilities and the conversion of three light industrial units into offices.

Two new homes were also planned for the site.

Horbury Heritage Trust, Horbury Civic Society, Friends of Horbury Library and local councillors were among the 57 objectors.

Those against the plans said the decontamination centre should be "preserved for educational benefits", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Concerns were also raised over a loss of privacy, loss of parking spaces for the library and an increase in traffic.

One objector wrote: "I do not think the proposed development is appropriate for the heritage location.

"It will have major impact on local residents with noise from the the open-air pool, café-bar and parking and traffic problems. It will set a bad precedent if assets listed by Wakefield Council as buildings of local interest are not protected."

Officers also refused the application on highways grounds due to a shortage of parking spaces near the site.

The scheme received one letter of support from a resident who said the proposals would be a good use of the area.

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