‘Emergency accommodation hotel’ in ‘leafy suburb’ Huddersfield sparks major concern

Residents have raised strong objections to plans for a 40-bed “emergency accommodation” hotel in a residential area of ​​Huddersfield.

Kirklees Council is being asked for permission to convert a ‘house of multiple occupation’ – bedsits – in Queens Road, Edgerton, into a hotel with accommodation for up to 40 people. Some of the rooms will be for “emergency housing in collaboration with Kirklees council”, according to the applicant.

The building itself is known as Edgerton Mansions and consists of five buildings, according to a statement submitted on behalf of the applicant which states: “The hotel will have 40 well-appointed bedrooms spread across the four buildings, designed to provide a contemporary. and a welcoming environment for guests.

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“The project aims to create a comfortable and elegant hotel experience while preserving the architectural character of the buildings.”

On the issue of ‘community impact’, the statement adds: ‘The conversion of Edgerton Mansions into a hotel is expected to have a positive impact on the local community. By attracting visitors to the area, the hotel will support local businesses and boost Activity Creating employment opportunities within the hotel will further contribute to the economic growth of the area.

“The project aims to foster a sense of community pride and enhance neighborhood vibrancy.”

The applicant’s statement claims that the proposed conversion of Edgerton Mansions to a hotel “represents a transformative opportunity to repurpose existing buildings for a new and dynamic use”. Neighbors offered a range of objections, citing concerns about noise, crime and inadequate parking.

One objector said: “I wish to oppose this change of use as this area is purely residential. Queens Road is very narrow and the increase in traffic which will be caused by the introduction of a hotel will not reasonably be supported. In addition, the noise levels of entrances and people will seriously disturb the neighboring residents.

“This is not a commercial area and should not be seen as such. This is a leafy suburb of Edgerton. I feel that introducing such a change will bring chaos to the roads and inconvenience the current residents.”

Another resident wrote: “I would like to object to this planning application as I live on Queens Road and it is a very quiet area with no criminal activity and the community is very close knit. First of all, there is no need for a hotel in this area. as there used to be a bed and breakfast here on Queens Road only about 200 meters from the proposed site which has now closed due to lack of business. So what would make anyone think that a 40-room hotel would be successful?

One opponent wrote: “Nothing good will come to the local community from this hotel/emergency housing.”

Another added: “There are already two hotels in the area. We don’t need another 40 bed emergency hotel with high traffic on small roads with a baby and toddlers, dog walkers and old people around. This is dangerous and unsafe.”

One resident fears the property will be used to house “criminals and refugees” and lead to anti-social behaviour.

The resident added: “There is no market for a 40-bed hotel in this area, this is simply a ploy to take government money to house criminals and refugees.

“I understand that these people need accommodation, but Edgerton, one of the largest concentrations of listed and listed buildings. The Villas of Edgerton it’s not the place.”

The application comment period ended on May 31 of this year. Yorkshire Live asked Kirklees Council if a date had yet been set for a decision on the application.

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