Market building redevelopment at Huddersfield Open Market, Huddersfield

What was proposed

The application proposed repairs, alterations, new facilities, commercial units, market stalls, public realm works, parking changes and a mix of market uses.

“- External works to the market building and wider site including alteration and demolition of previous more modern additions to the Market building, new glazed screens, new WC and welfare facilities, provision of services and lighting including associated works, remodelling to the stone annexe, alterations to catering facilities, and self-contained commercial units and works to floor surfaces of the market building including addition of a mezzanine.”

“- The use of the market building would be for a mix of uses (sui generis) including retail, hot food takeaway, drinking establishment, restaurant / café uses, market office, public welfare facilities, storage facilities as well as provision of areas that provide a mix of fixed and flexible indoor and outdoor market stalls.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site included a listed market building, stone parts, hardstanding, parking, external stalls and waste storage near surrounding streets and listed buildings.

“The site relates to the Grade II listed building (Huddersfield Open Market) and unlisted parts of that building to the southern portion of the site which are constructed from Stone. The site also includes an area to the north which is…”

Officer report

Related applications and changes

Related applications covered listed building consent and a temporary market, while amended plans reduced the scheme and changed parking, storage, lockers and security measures.

“The planning history for the Grade II listed building and unlisted part to the south relates to planning and listed building consents for redevelopment(s) of the building dating back to the 1990s and 2000s.”

“Also of relevance is application 2025/93197 which seeks temporary planning permission for the erection of a free standing single storey structure to be used as a temporary indoor market (sui generis) with associated facilities, office cabins, waste compound, parking spaces and works. This would ensure that a continued indoor and outdoor market offer is provided for the duration of the construction phase of the development.”

Officer report

Why officers supported approval

Officers considered the proposal acceptable because it supported town-centre regeneration, retained the market function and could manage heritage, amenity, highways and other impacts through conditions.

“The proposal is seeking to redevelop the existing Market building and will form part of an overall strategy in relation to the regeneration of Huddersfield Town Centre (Huddersfield Blueprint) which identifies the Market and surrounding streets as an opportunity for redevelopment to increase hours and the overall offer from the building and wider site.”

“The development proposals are considered to tie into the wider aspirations for Huddersfield Town Centre and propose a redevelopment which will be complimentary to the existing operations from the site, and seek to increase the offer that is available.”

Officer report

What residents and traders said

Fifty-eight objections raised concerns about reduced stalls, trader livelihoods, closure, design, access, the temporary market, safety, heritage and community value.

“- The current market is vibrant, holds great character, is extremely accessible, serves a very wide variety of communities and attracts overseas visitors due to its heritage. - Increase of visitors / users / traders since 2020/2021, currently a thriving enterprise.”

“- The proposal would reduce the number of visitors to Huddersfield and will impact on all businesses within the town centre. - Impact upon existing operators businesses - Closure for 18 months (or longer) would disrupt hundreds of livelihoods and end the market in its entirety - Will people return follow closure as they will need to undertake alternative trading elsewhere - Traders more likely to not use temporary market and not be present following the developments…”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Objectors and supporters made representations, and Councillor Turner also addressed the committee.

The committee vote

Five councillors voted for approval and three voted against.

“A Recorded Vote was taken in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 42 (5) as follows; For: Councillors Firth, Sokhal, Taylor, McGrath and Ullah (5 votes) Against: Councillors Davies, Richards and Scott (3 votes)”

Minutes

What the committee decided

Authority was delegated to the Head of Planning and Development to approve the application, issue the decision notice and complete the listed conditions.

“RESOLVED – That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development to approve the application, issue the decision notice and complete the list of conditions including matters relating to;”

“- Time limit to commence development - Development to be completed in accordance with the submitted plans and specifications - Unit 01 upon drawing 0410revP01 to be used for retail only - Hours of use to be between 08:00 and 23:00 - Servicing hours (deliveries / unloading) to be between 08:00 and 18:00 - Submission of a lighting scheme to be approved in writing - Safety and security measures to be submitted and approved in writing - Compiling of a remediation strategy in…”

Minutes