The Old Cock Hotel: Planners reject proposal for hospitality extension at historic pub

Matthew Gledhill was seeking planning permission from Calderdale Council for the two-storey extension at The Old Cock Hotel, Old Cock Yard.

The pub is one of the oldest in Halifax, dating back to the late 1500s with a rich history including being the location from where the Halifax Building Society was originally established, said officers.

But the inn is Grade II listed and officers said the extension, to be located on a cobbled area currently housing outdoor seating for the pub, would not be suitable because of its size, design, materials and siting.

The applicant argued the appearance and setting of the listed host building will not be adversely impacted and it would be subservient to surrounding structures.

However officers said of the prefabricated extension that it was “not very clear why a two storey structure is required in this location, or why a structure is required at all.”

There is existing outdoor seating directly outside the public house, they said.

The council’s conservation officer reported that the proposal “would cause harm to the significance of the adjacent Grade II listed public house by way of inappropriate development within its immediate setting.

“The proposal would also result in harm to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

No material considerations had been given to indicate why a planning exception should be made in this case, said planners, refusing the application permission.

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Caption guidance – pic from Google

The application was made for a free-standing hospitality extension at the historic Old Cock Inn, which is in Halifax town centre. Picture: Google