Piece Hall renovations planned to 'keep out rats'

Managers of Grade I-listed landmark building want to make adaptations in an effort to keep pests such as rats out of its walls.

The Piece Hall in Halifax reopened in 2017 after several years of restoration work and now hosts concerts and events.

It dates back to 1799 and was originally a cloth hall for traders.

In a planning application to Calderdale Council, the venue's managers asked for permission to renovate the Piece Hall's west side wall.

Supporting statements alongside the application said the proposed work would ensure the longevity and protection of the Piece Hall.

The Piece Hall Trust also said the work would stop pests getting into the cavity of the building, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The application said: "Currently we have evidence of deceased rodents that have accessed through the gaps between the brickwork…they can only be removed by removing a section of bricks to allow our pest control contractor to remove the rodents."

Prior conversations with conservation officers had taken place to ensure the method of works were suitable, the supporting statement added.

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