Plea for help to save Thornhill ‘hidden gem’

Lifelong Thornhill resident Richard Rogalewski is pleading for information about ‘a hidden gem’ which might help preserve a link with the village’s past.

He is asking anyone with details of the old coach house and stables belonging to the long-since demolished Overthorpe Hall to get in touch ahead of an auction which could see them sold off.

Mr Rogalewski has already asked English Heritage to give the buildings listed status and is waiting for their response.

But owner Kirklees council is putting them up for auction on May 15 and he fears this could lead to demolition.

“Only last year the council had Thornhill’s Walker Welfare building demolished,” said Mr Rogalewski, 57.

“Heritage buildings are getting fewer and fewer. And among still-standing Thornhill buildings of some heritage value are the coach house and stables. But I need all the help I can get.”

Mr Rogalewski thinks listed status could prevent the buildings, near the junction of Edge Top Road and Chapel Lane, from being demolished. Among other things, he needs to know the age of the structures to help English Heritage make a decision.

A Kirklees council spokesman said: “The premises hadn’t been used for some time and are surplus to the council’s operational requirements.

“Their disposal was agreed by the Kirklees Cabinet.

“The buildings could be retained and re-used as a depot or a buyer could submit a planning application for alternative use.

“The auction is open to anyone to bid.”

l Anyone who can help with information is asked to contact Mr Rogalewski at [email protected]