00:00Plans for a new bandstand, inspired by the work of Wakefield-born sculptor Dame Barbara Hepworth, have been approved for
00:08Hawbury's Historic Car Lodge Park.
00:10Wakefield Council planners gave the scheme the go-ahead after an application from Hawbury Civic Society and the Friends of
00:17Hawbury's Parks.
00:18The structure is designed as a partially sunken, open-sided cube, with black facades, LED lighting, solar panels and geometric
00:27brick seating.
00:28A planning statement says the design celebrates both traditional coal mining and Hepworth's sculptures, while providing a covered space for
00:36performances, community events and activities.
00:39Supporters say it would give Hawbury Victoria Band a much-needed home venue and create opportunities for concerts, school performances
00:46and cultural events.
00:47One resident described it as an imaginative and architecturally ambitious scheme that would bring lasting cultural and civic benefit to
00:55Hawbury, but the proposal has divided opinion.
00:58Hawbury Heritage Trust said it had no objection to a performance area, but called the design totally inappropriate for its
01:05location.
01:06It described the references to Hepworth and mining as superficial and irrelevant, arguing that Hepworth had no meaningful connection to
01:12Hawbury and there had never been a coal mine in the town.
01:15One objector called the design vulgar and said a traditional circular bandstand would better suit the park's historic setting.
01:23Despite the objections, the council say the plans are acceptable and comply with local and national planning policies.
