PLANS to build flats on the site of a former school have won the go-ahead.
But the scheme for 24 flats in Lockwood has sparked criticism.
The land at the old school in Woodhead Road is already being cleared in preparation.
The building, last used as a school more than 25 years ago, had until recently been a warehouse and office for Vista Home Improvements.
Kirklees councillors gave their backing after visiting the site.
They went to see for themselves after three people living nearby protested that the proposed two blocks would overshadow their homes.
Planners said the flats would be further away from nearby houses than the school.
Twenty-seven parking spaces are included in the proposals.
The decision to allow the scheme came at the council's Huddersfield area planning sub-committee.
One Lockwood woman, who had campaigned against the development and attended the planning meeting, said she was furious that the ``beautiful" building was going to disappear:
She added: "The school they are pulling down was built in 1853 and it was structurally sound.
"We have been totally fobbed off by the council.
"I don't think the council put the public interest first. They have put money first."
The woman suggested that many people could have benefited from the building, adding: "We could have used it as a community centre."
She said Lockwood should be made into a conservation area because of the density of Victorian architecture in the area.
