'Poorly designed' cash machine in market place refused over heritage concerns

A retrospective planning application for cash machine installed outside a shop in Ossett has been refused.

Wakefield Council said the ATM, fitted to the premises on Market Place, was “poorly designed and entirely at odds with the historic character” of the town’s conservation area.

The authority’s conservation officer lodged an objection to the proposal put forward by NCR in February this year.

A planning statement submitted by the applicant said the machine had been installed next to the main entrance of the building through an existing window and was “not detrimental to the existing street scene.”

The document said: “The ATM provides a crucial banking amenity, particularly for those with limited access to digital financial platforms.

“This service supports financial inclusion for a diverse user base, including the elderly and those reliant on cash transactions.

“The ATM’s placement encourages local spending, benefiting nearby retailers, cafés, and small businesses.

“This economic activity strengthens the financial ecosystem of the high street.”

The building, close to Ossett’s town hall and war memorial, was built in the early 1900s.

A council planning officer’s report said: “Piecemeal changes to the shop front are degrading the character of the building and resulting in negative impact on the conservation area.

“We would also highlight concerns regarding building maintenance.

“The building appears to be in a poor state of repair, particularly the timber elements, and there is evidence of moisture accumulation at the base of the building.

“It is detracting from the character and appearance of Ossett Conservation Area.

Refusing the scheme, the officer said: “The ATM for which consent is sought results in further piecemeal and poor quality design choices for the host building.”