Anger at look of new Steeton community ‘shed’ (From Keighley News)

Anger at look of new Steeton community ‘shed’

8:31am Thursday 11th October 2012 in News By David Knights

A new £200,000 community centre has come under fire for its appearance.

One councillor has criticised the building, at Steeton, as looking like a “green shed”.

But local parish council chairman David Mullen said the "community hub" looked exactly as it should.

He said villagers were consulted on the plans for exterior walls and cladding and then they were approved by Bradford Council planners.

Bradford councillor Andrew Mallinson, who represents Craven ward, said some residents had expressed concerns about the hall's appearance.

The hall, funded from a variety of sources, is intended to replace the current bowling pavilion and provide space for several other local groups. The new building will offer twice as much usable space as before, with a foyer, toilets and snack-making area.

Building work began in mid-summer, with the framework and walls quickly taking shape.

Two of the walls are timber with windows, but the roof and the two other walls - including one facing Skipton Road - have metal surfaces.

Coun Mallinson said there were “definite concerns” amongst Steeton people about the building's appearance.

He said: “If that's the finished article then it doesn't look in keeping. Villagers have been in touch about it. I share the concerns of other people.”

Coun Mullen said the parish council had widely consulted about its proposals for the community hub – including its look and size – and had run drop-in sessions for residents.

The council sent samples of the potential exterior colours to Bradford Council, and planners had agreed to grey.

He said: “We have not deviated from the permission we got.

“It's all been in the plans since day one. Nothing's been done in secret.

“If people are now coming and complaining, where were they three or four years ago when we asked everyone?”

Coun Mullen understood some residents of Stone Grove feared they would be overlooked, but said only people's gable ends faced the building.

Coun Mullen said builders were due to hand over the building on November 16, and an opening ceremony would be held before the end of the year.