A 220-year-old pub is set for demolition after as councillors gave the green light to a new shopping centre.

The Pump Room, on the junction of Church Street and New Road, Halifax, will make way for car parking and access to the new development.

The Pennine Shopping Centre, will be sited on Horton Street and Union Street, and will house large retail units designed to attract big names to Calderdale.

Calderdale Council Planning Committee met to discuss the plans put forward by Royal London Property Fund for a three-storey development.The plans show two lower levels containing 500 car parking spaces while the top floor will include retail units and a cafe and restaurant.

CAMRA pubs officer Peter Robinson spoke at the meeting highlighting that The Pump Room is one o fthe oldest buildings in the area.

“It was erected in 1791. It pre-dates most of the other buildings round there by at least half a century,” he said.

“Here we have a case where a someone wants to demolish a viable pub. The Pump Room offers something distinct and attracts a diverse cross section of people – the loss of the Pump Room could have a knock-on effect for nearby pubs.”

Also facing the bulldozer is the old filling station on Church Street and the New Road business park.

Access to the site for shoppers will be on Church Street with delivery access on New Road.

Concerns were raised about the increase in traffic on what is already one of Halifax’s most congested sections of road.

Councillor David Hardy (Lib Dem, Elland) said: “Articulated lorries struggle to pass each other on this road already because it’s so tight.

“I have great concerns with how this application is now. Particularly Church Street and access for wagons up New Road. To me large vehicle access ought to be from Church Street not New Road.

“I cannot back it as it is now.”

Coun Martin Peel (Con, Sowerby Bridge) said: “This is an excellent scheme. Our officers have drawn up conditions to work with the developer and overcome many of the concerns raised by this committee.”

Graham Connel, of Colliers, who is acting as agent for Royal London, said they would work with the Council and a further application will be submitted once finalised plans are in place.

via Historic pub set to be demolished to make room for new shopping centre – Community – Halifax Courier.