A FORMER piano shop in Shelf could be demolished to make way for housing if new plans are approved for the site.

An application has been lodged with Calderdale Council planners for the prominent building known as Grove House on Wade House Road in the village.

It had been occupied by long-standing piano retailer and repair shop GSG Pianos until earlier this year when the business moved to premises in Halifax.

Now the owner has applied to demolish the shop building and a further building round the back of the property in order to build a two-storey four-bedroom house on the site.

In a design and access statement accompanying the plans, it states: “The existing site currently forms my client's existing property and associated outbuildings and garage unit, the site is surrounded on three sides by housing.”

It adds: “The existing property has recently been used as a piano repair and renovation business, the tenant has moved to other premises and the building is now vacant.

“The building has some major structural issues and the client would like to take this unit down and construct a new domestic property with associated garage, parking and garden areas.”

It adds that the layout, with a lounge to the side facing the road, and an extended kitchen and living area to the rear, was considered the best fit for the shape of the site, while also providing a “viable scheme”.

The detached garage, to the rear of the site, would include an office above.

There are no trees on the site as it is completely covered with existing buildings and a tarmac yard the back.

The report adds: “The proposed dwelling is two stories in nature with a pitched roof, the proposal is no higher than the existing building which is to come down.

“The new build will take its inspiration from its surroundings. There is a mixture of materials in the area but it is proposed to use natural stone walls and blue slate roof finish. It is felt that these materials will match and enhance the area.”

The site itself will be accessed from the existing entrance onto Wade House Road with the already good visibility improved by pulling the new building back from the kerb line.

This will give more visibility to the new house and any existing units that use the track road to the side of Grove House.

There will also be enough parking and turning space for cars so they do not have to reverse out.