‘Totally inappropriate’: Controversial Hepworth-inspired bandstand wins planning approval

Plans to install a bandstand inspired by the work of Dame Barbara Hepworth in a town’s historic park have been given the go-ahead.

Wakefield Council planners approved proposals for the new structure in Horbury’s Carr Lodge Park.

Horbury Civic Society, who submitted the application along with The Friends of Horbury’s Parks group, said the bandstand’s design also celebrated the area’s coal mining heritage as well as the Wakefield-born sculptor.

But the scheme divided opinion among local residents and community groups, with Horbury Heritage Trust describing it as “visually incongruous” and not in keeping with the Georgian parkland.

The park occupies the grounds of the former Carr Lodge estate, built between 1770 and 1775.

The grounds were re-purposed for public use during the 20th century and became a formal municipal park and recreational space.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the civic society said the “uniquely high quality” structure would feature a “cubic design, creating the appearance of a partially sunken open-sided cube.”

The document said: “The design has been influenced by, and celebrates, both traditional coal mining and the sculptures of Barbara Hepworth.

“The modern design will enable the civic society and other community groups a covered space to perform and host small group activities and events.’’

The design also features “black strip façades”, a black concrete floor, LED lighting, solar roofing panels and “geometric brick seats” around the perimeter of the site for spectators.

The application attracted 18 comments of support and 11 objections after it was submitted in March this year.

Those in favour said the bandstand would provide a much-need “home venue” for Horbury Victoria Band, as well as creating opportunities for concerts, school performances, community events and wider cultural activities.

One resident said: “This is an imaginative and architecturally ambitious scheme, which would bring lasting cultural and civic benefit to Horbury.”

Another supporter said: “The location of the bandstand feels right, at the bottom of the hill, facing the centre, which lends itself well to both performers and audience.

“The proposal would make the park an even more welcoming place to spend time and come together as a community.”

A third supporter commented: “It is an innovative design that is sensitive to the setting of the listed nature of Carr Lodge Park.

“There are no other performance spaces in Horbury or the immediate locality and this is a much needed facility.”

Horbury Heritage Trust’s objection, which contained more than 2,000 words, stated: “We do not have an objection to the concept of a performance area for the town’s magnificent band to play from, but the trustees unanimously agreed that the design is totally inappropriate for its location.

“Claims that this design is somehow relevant through nods to Hepworth and mining are superficial and irrelevant references that appear intended to manufacture a sense of local connection where none genuinely exists

“Hepworth has no meaningful connection to Horbury and there has never been a coal mine in the town.

“These references therefore appear artificial rather than reflective of the site’s genuine historic context.”

Others complained that there had been “inadequate publicity and consultation” over the plan and called for it to “go back to the drawing board.”

A council planning officer’s report said the scheme was “considered to be acceptable” and complied with local and national planning policies.