Kirklees Council Approves George Hotel Redevelopment Amidst Victorian Society Objections

Kirklees Council has controversially granted itself planning permission for the £30 million redevelopment of the historic George Hotel. Despite objections from the Victorian Society regarding the modern design of new extensions, the council proceeded with the approval, arguing the objection did not meet the legal threshold for referral to the Secretary of State.

Key Takeaways

Kirklees Council approved its own planning application for the George Hotel redevelopment.
The Victorian Society raised concerns about modern extensions being out of keeping with the historic area.
The council determined the objection did not legally require referral to the Secretary of State.
The revised plans increase the hotel’s capacity to 108 bedrooms and aim for a 2026 opening.
Radisson Group remains committed to operating the hotel under its Radisson RED brand.

Planning Permission Granted

The council’s planning department initially intended to grant approval for the revised plans. These revisions became necessary when it was discovered that the John William Street wall required costly underpinning, leading to its demolition and the construction of new extensions. This change also allowed for an increase in the number of bedrooms from 90 to 108, enhancing the hotel’s potential profitability.

Victorian Society’s Concerns

The Victorian Society expressed that the proposed modern extensions on the John William Street side were “too modern and out-of-keeping with surrounding historic architecture” and “does not reflect Huddersfield.” However, their objection did not explicitly request a referral to the Secretary of State, a condition required by planning law for such objections from national amenity societies to necessitate a government review when the applicant is also the planning authority.

Council’s Decision and Rationale

Following advice from civil servants on the definition of an “objection” under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990, Kirklees Council concluded that the Victorian Society’s objection did not trigger the mandatory referral. The council sought clarification from the society, which confirmed they did not wish to refer the decision to the Secretary of State, despite still holding an objection to the works.

Project Details and Future Outlook

The redevelopment aims to transform the Grade II*-listed building into a Radisson RED hotel. Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for finance and regeneration, hailed the decision as “another major milestone” for a “treasured landmark” that will play a key role in supporting the local economy. The council anticipates the new hotel will open within the next two years. Opposition councillors, however, continue to call for more detailed financial information regarding the £30 million investment and the repayment timeline for council taxpayers.

Stakeholder Support

Historic England, while expressing concerns about the extensions, stopped short of a formal objection and remains supportive of the redevelopment. Huddersfield Civic Society also supports the hotel’s restoration but suggested the new design could have been more sensitive to the original character of the building. The Radisson Group is reportedly still on board, with a deal signed in March 2023.