Thandi Partnership in new talks over Castle Hill

Oct 29 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

There would be an interpretation centre providing information about the history of Castle Hill.

Mr Lee added: “The Thandi Partnership have expressed a new commitment to work in partnership with the local authority and other agencies including English Heritage to redevelop the former Castle Hill Hotel site.

“The Thandi Partnership recognise the importance of this site to local people and that the uncertainty regarding the future of the site is regarded by many as unsatisfactory.

“To that extent the partnership are willing to commit to the submission of a planning application within the short term subject to a positive response to these proposals from Kirklees Council.”

Clr David Sheard, Cabinet member for regeneration, said the major sticking point would be getting planning permission to build on greenbelt land, next to an ancient monument site. He added: “If they put plans forward, we will look at them.

“Personally, I liked it when there was a pub up there and a lot of people did like going up there for meals.”

Almondbury councillor Ann Denham said any development would have to include improved visitor facilities.

She said: “There has to be extremely good reasons for a building up there. It has to be extraordinarily special. We do need more visitor support.”

Council leader Mehboob Khan said as well as planning considerations, the project had to be viable as a business.

He added: “This issue has been going on for seven years and we are determined to draw it to a conclusion.

“We will consult with the Almondbury ward councillors and MP Barry Sheerman and in due course take a report to the Cabinet.

“The report will be a public document and we will inform residents and interested parties of the contents of the report at least seven days prior to the meeting.”