PLANS to sell off a historic house in Mirfield have been shelved – for now.
Knowl House, given to town’s residents by textile magnates the Walker family in 1943, is likely to continue as a base for council services.
Catering and cleaning services are to be switched to Huddersfield while other departments are to be moved to Knowl House in a reorganisation of council facilities.  
But its long-term future could still be in doubt as a barrister has told council officials a covenant agreed to by the Walker family does not prevent a sell-off.
A council spokesman said: “Knowl House is not currently in our plans for disposal. We want to get the best out of all council buildings while maintaining high-quality services.
“Under this programme of work, catering and cleaning will be relocating to Huddersfield but other services will be relocated to Knowl House.”
Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan admitted the authority had taken legal advice over a covenant stating the building is held in trust for the people of Mirfield.
He said: “The council’s position is that the conveyance did not create an expressly charitable trust for the inhabitants of Mirfield.
“Kirklees Council can dispose of the property if it so wishes. This has been the advice of our legal services team and a Queen’s Counsel.
“But the council is not actively pursuing the sale of Knowl House at this time. Should the council choose to dispose of this property, it would require Cabinet approval.”
Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) expressed relief and said: “If jobs are to come to Mirfield through other council services moving here, then I would welcome that.
“What I am not in favour of is breaking the covenant. It was the intention of the Walker family that Knowl House was to be held in trust for the people of Mirfield.
“It is obviously in the council’s mind to the sell the house. They were looking for a way around the covenant and a barrister’s opinion won’t have come cheap.
“I think the Walker family would have every right to ask for the property back.”