Flats proposal for empty shops in Dewsbury

The National Association of Estate Agents has called on the Government to investigate. But it’s not the first time the suggestion has been made in Dewsbury.

A vision for the town centre drawn up for the Dewsbury Renaissance scheme suggested the creation of a residential quarter.

The potential area for homes was to the west of Northgate and included Daisy Hill, Croft Street, Bond Street and Nelson Street.

Dewsbury Regeneration Board chairman Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dews East) said it was important to strike the right balance.

“There are thousands of people on our waiting list in Dewsbury,” he said. “I think the owners of shops are missing a trick.

“I want to see upper floors turned into flats. If you have an increase in footfall in the town and people living there, you’ll need shops to provide goods.”

Planning officers are currently considering two applications for flats above retail units in Daisy Hill.