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Search the Public Notice Portal Breeze-blocking in windows is a “crude and unsympathetic intervention” downgrading the look of a Halifax town centre street, say unhappy planners.
West Parade might be an area characterised by a mix of commercial and light industrial premises, but proposals in a planning application went too far for Calderdale Council officers.
The surrounding street scene comprises functional brick and metal-clad buildings with utilitarian frontages, reflecting the area’s emphasis on security and practicality, they noted.
There are some residential properties within the area, but the immediate context is predominantly commercial in nature, with limited architectural uniformity.
Nevertheless, Mr A. Arshad, of Belleview Architecture’s proposals for numbers 36-40 West Parade were too rough and ready, they concluded.
He had applied to add roller shutters and window sign boards to the premises.
The proposed roller shutter is not a problem, according to planning officers,
But they were not happy with other changes being made to the building’s appearance as part of the work, some of which has taken place.
“The blocking up of window openings with breeze blocks is considered to be wholly unacceptable and represents the most harmful aspect of the proposal.
“The original window openings contribute positively to the architectural composition of the building and provide articulation and visual interest to the facade.
“Their permanent infilling with breeze blocks is a crude and unsympathetic intervention that significantly degrades the appearance of the building and the wider street scene,” said the officers.
They were also not happy with the signage, citing it as their second reason for refusing planning permission.
“The proposed window signage is considered to be visually harmful.
“The number, scale, and cumulative impact of the signs across the building frontage results in an overly cluttered and visually intrusive appearance.
“Rather than presenting a coherent and legible frontage, the signage draws excessive attention and competes with the host building’s architectural features,” said the planners in their report.