Anger and support over Castle Hil pub decision: Your say

Mar 20 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Anger and support over Castle Hil pub decision

THE decision to block a plan for a new pub and hotel on Castle Hill has sparked a big response.

Kirklees Council’s decision to throw out a proposal by the Thandi brothers to build at the historic landmark has been welcomed by some.

But many others have attacked the planning committee decision, which was taken with a 7-3 vote after a 90-minute debate, attended by more than 100 people.

The Thandis have not yet indicated whether they will appeal against the decision.

Hours after that decision was announced, the Examiner website and letters column received an influx of messages, both for and against the plan.

Mr Angry said: “When the appeal process begins, as it most surely will, I hope the application is again refused as the Thandis had their chance and blew it with the blatant attempt to flout the original application. Full marks to the council this time for following the wishes of the majority.”

Jason said: “Castle Hill needs to be looked after and not abused. Yes, we need some sort of visitor centre that provides basic amenities BUT not a pub or hotel! This rejection was based on planning and green belt issues alone, nothing racial about it.”

iangr1946 said: “Typical. Politicians again going against public opinion. How on earth can this site be green belt when there has already been a pub/hotel there for nearly 200 years plus the folly that is the Victoria Tower? Go ahead, Thandis, and appeal this outrageous decision and good luck.”

aliban posted: “I think they should build McDonalds on the site as it serves ice cream and coffee. Kids love Happy Meals. McDonalds is the way forward.”

DavidH posted: “Hope you’re joking about McDonalds? Not quite what I had in mind, but it is a prime site for families to spend time in the summer months on a Sunday etc. Whatever it gets used for, the access roads will restrict/hinder its viability and cause problems for both visitors and the locals. Perhaps we should have a cable car linking to Farnley Tyas – now that would be impressive!”

MickXS said: “Unbelievable. How can they give planning permission for the extension a few years ago and now class it as green belt? The hotel should be brought back and built to the same spec, size and detail that it was originally built to. The planning committee is a shambles; they have no consistency.”

AntP posted: “Another typically idiotic, ill-thought out decision by Kirklees Council. The one thing that Castle Hill needs is this pub/hotel, all the council are doing is making sure a nationally important monument is used for only less than savoury purposes.”