Around 22 new jobs will be created at a new wedding venue, restaurant and bar in Lindley.

Kirklees councillors gave the go-ahead for the re-vamp of the Fieldhead building off Lidget Street.

It will see a spa and hotel created together with a function room, restaurant, bar and community room.

Kirklees Council is selling the asset but Malcolm Sizer, agent for the applicant Bankgate, raised a concern about a condition of planning approval, as recommended by Kirklees planners.

Due to “inadequate” parking planners wanted a restriction which meant the bar and restaurant could not open when there was a function.

Mr Sizer said: “There are 57 spaces, plus on and off-street parking. To approve otherwise jeopardise the viability of the whole scheme and puts at risk the sale of the council’s asset.”

Clr Graham Turner, a planning committee member, said: “Continuity of people being able to use the facility is important for restaurants. They might have a room full of people not using the bar, but the bar can’t open.”

Clr Mark Hemingway, Lindley Conservative and committee member, did not vote due to declaring an interest, but he said several venues in the area open at night without parking problems.

It was approved without the condition of concern.

Planning committee members also approved housing plans for the neighbouring Oakmead site, six councillors against one.

There is potential for around 19 houses on the site, although more detailed plans will come at a later stage.

Clr Turner added: “This is a brownfield site, I’ve no problems with this at all.”

Clr Hemingway quickly added that he did have concerns, saying: “There is still a children’s home near this site. I’d like this to be retirement living which will have less impact on schools and less cars.”