AN MP last night voiced his fury at what he termed “active lobbying” over pub plans for Castle Hill.

And he pledged the matter could well be raised in Westminster.

Barry Sheerman, Huddersfield MP, said he was deeply concerned at the way backers of the bid to rebuild a pub on the landmark site were acting.

But his comments brought protests from senior councillors, who said that lobbying both for and against a planning application was a key part of the decision process.

They insisted that councillors would declare details of information given to them before any meetings.

Mr Sheerman was also criticised by Kirklees leader Clr Mehboob Khan, who pointed out that the MP was an active lobbyist when the plans for a Tesco superstore in Huddersfield were up for discussion.

Both Clr Khan and Almondbury councillor Phil Scott said they welcomed contributions from the public and from interested groups in the run-up to a planning decision.

The new application is now up for debate and anyone wanting to submit their views to planning officers should do so by December 27.

The Thandi brothers have submitted a new bid to try and get planning permission for a pub, having failed twice in the past. Their last application was voted down by 8-7 at the planning sub committee.

But Mr Sheerman is anxious that councillors take a stand against the proposals and against the lobbying.

He now plans to raise the issue with Clr Khan and chief executive Adrian Lythgo, and with ministers in the House of Commons.

Mr Sheerman said: “I am very concerned at the amount of active lobbying that is going on.

“It is totally unacceptable that this degree of lobbying of councillors is taking place. I know it is going on behind the scenes and that shows contempt for local people and their views. If necessary I will raise this in the Commons.