Plans to re-build a popular farm shop razed to the ground in a fire in 2010 are to be decided tomorrow.
Flames ripped through Hinchliffe’s farm shop and restaurant in Netherton in July 2010, destroying both.
Kirklees councillors will decide if Hinchliffe’s can have planning consent to re-build the facilities.
The farm has been based in temporary accommodation since but bosses vowed after the fire to re-build the business.
And they have support – Kirklees planning officers have recommended it for approval. Councillors will have to make a decision as it includes retail floorspace above 750sqm.
In the planning application Hinchliffe’s described the fire as “the biggest challenge in its history” and said: “It was a devastating fire which started in the shop and quickly spread to the restaurant. Fortunately most of the animals on the site were saved.
“The development seeks to replace the temporary buildings that are currently on site and to reinstate the floorspace of the shop and restaurant before the devastating fire that took place in 2010.
“This application is essential to facilitate the continued survival of a long standing business of great importance to the local community and economy in Kirklees.” At the height of the fire up to 100 firefighters were at the scene.
General manager Simon Hirst, great grandson of Hinchliffe’s founder Allan Hinchliffe, promised to come back bigger and better.
His plans include a predominantly single storey with a small upper floor. The restaurant will have a view of Castle Hill.
The farm shop will open from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.
The restaurant will take last orders until 9pm and functions could last until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
The farm, described as being “very much part of Netherton” employs 51 full and part time staff.
In the application Hinchliffe’s say: “The staff levels currently are lower due to the down-sizing required after the fire but are expected to increase again once the new buildings are complete.”
