HERITAGE bosses and councillors have objected to plans to demolish a historic Grade II listed church.
The Church of St Faith’s, which was once part of Stanley Royd Hospital, on Aberford Road, was damaged by a fire in June.
Its owners, Linfit Investments, have applied to Wakefield Council for demolition consent claiming it is structurally unsafe.
But objections have been raised by Wakefield Civic Society, English Heritage, the Victorian Society and councillors.
James Hughes, of the Victorian Society, said: “We object to the total demolition of this building, as we remain unconvinced that the building could not be made structurally safe and retained.
“The building retains, despite its current dilapidation, significance as one of only three purpose-built asylum churches in West Yorkshire.”
Coun Olivia Rowley said she felt more could have been done by the owners to protect the building before and after the fire.
In a letter she stated: “Little seems to have been done, to ensure it was protected and now we are at a stage where it has finally reached a state where it has to be demolished. It really is unacceptable.”