A PUB that closed down because of the downturn in the economy may be reopened as a restaurant.
The White Horse Inn on Wakefield Road in Lepton has been bought by Terry Dryden who has applied for planning permission for the new venture.
He aims to revamp the building and transform it into a restaurant with separate rooms.
At the moment the prominent Lepton building is unused and stands with its windows boarded up.
It stands on the edge of the village on the main Wakefield Road, just opposite the Lepton Highlanders Sports Club complex.
A design statement was submitted by Almondbury architect Alasdair Ingram to Kirklees Council on behalf of Mr Dryden outlining the plans.
It says: “The building will change from a public house to a restaurant with rooms. The pub was closed down due to the general downturn in the economy and the no-smoking ban which has had a devastating effect on public houses throughout the country.
“The premises were recently put up for sale and have been bought by Mr Terry Dryden with a view to altering the premises.”
It continues: “Public houses have undergone difficult changes over recent years and trade has generally declined.
“Notwithstanding that, good quality well-run restaurants continue to flourish and this site is well placed to continue this trend.
“The site is well located for establishing trade from the many surrounding villages in the Huddersfield, Wakefield and Barnsley areas.”
If planning permission is granted then the building on Wakefield Road will see a three-storey extension added to the back of the pub.
Additional parking is proposed to be built at the back of the site.
“Some trees will have to be chopped down to make way for the car-parking spaces.
The report says: “A site meeting took place with the council’s senior tree officer at which it was agreed that the proposed trees to be removed were of poor condition and their removal could be substantiated by the provision of replacement trees and additional planting.”
The new restaurant is expected to provide more permanent and part-time jobs for local people if planning permission is granted.
