Calderdale Council’s planning department has granted permission for a housing association to proceed with the removal of several derelict garage structures located adjacent to a recreation area in Rastrick.
Together Housing submitted a planning application seeking approval to demolish six garages situated beside the Thornton Road Recreation Ground.
Council planning officers determined that prior approval was not required for the proposed demolition works.
According to documents accompanying the application, the structures have remained vacant and have developed into a location associated with problematic behaviour.
The removal scheme aims to enhance sightlines across the recreational space and enhance the character of the nearby residential neighbourhood.
Planning officers established in their assessment that the structures occupy a position within a long-established residential neighbourhood, bordered by housing stock, publicly accessible open space and estate road infrastructure.
The structures have been vacant for some time and have attracted anti-social activity, according to the planning documentation.
The housing association intends to dismantle all six units along with their concrete bases and foundations where required.
Following completion of the demolition works, the ground would be cleared of debris, leveled and resurfaced to present a safe and orderly appearance, the report indicated.
The application included a method statement detailing the proposed sequence of demolition activities, establishment of the site compound, environmental protection measures, permitted working periods, controls to minimise dust emissions, arrangements for waste disposal, procedures for handling asbestos, and proposals for restoring the site.
All construction activities would comply with applicable health and safety regulations and current industry best practice standards, according to the submission.
Any asbestos materials discovered during the pre-demolition survey would be addressed and removed following the contractor’s standalone asbestos risk assessment and method statement before demolition commences.
The elimination of the structures would increase visibility throughout the estate and reduce conditions that permit anti-social conduct, thereby enhancing the residential environment, the application stated.