TWO appeals against planning applications have been allowed.

Kirklees councillors had rejected plans for a betting shop at 7 New Street in Huddersfield town centre on April 17.

The applicant, Halifax-based Fortland Ltd, lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate who has found in their favour.

The inspector said the application would “improve the vitality and viability of the town centre in the short term and more likely in the longer term, generate economic growth and jobs.”

The unit has been empty since Ponden Mill vacated the site in May 2010.

At the planning meeting Clr Adrian Murphy had said there were 11 betting shops in town which was “enough” and the vote was five to one against the plan.

The Planning Inspectorate also backed plans to convert 579 Wakefield Road, Waterloo, into a private hire booking office.