A CONTROVERSIAL plan for a hostel for the homeless in West Vale has been withdrawn at the 11th hour.

Councillors at Calderdale Council were due to consider the Ashley Foundation’s plan for a 32-bed hostel last night.

But it was withdrawn by the applicant 24 hours before the meeting.

The Foundation, a registered charity, submitted a planning application in May seeking planning consent to convert the Old Brassworks at Maude Street in West Vale into a 32-bed hostel.

Up to 100 homeless people a year would have been referred there by Kirklees and Calderdale housing departments.

But more than 819 representations were submitted – with only a few in support.

The West Vale Action Group rallied objectors who raised concerns about the proximity of the proposed hostel to the nearby school, West Vale Primary, the unsuitability of the area and lack of public amenities.

Chris Pearson, one of the campaigners, said: “It’s great news, but all we know is that it’s been withdrawn.

“We are trying to find out if that is it or if they’ll come back with another plan.”

The Examiner contacted the Ashley Foundation’s agent for information, but they did not respond.

A letter confirms that the Foundation has forfeited its £770 planning fee in withdrawing the application.

But the letter from Calderdale planning adds: “However you may be entitled to resubmit one further application for the same character or description of development on the same site within 12 months of making the earlier application.”

Mr Pearson says it has led residents to question if they could return with amended plans.

He added: “Until we know the reason we won’t understand what’s really happened.

“We’ve learnt throughout the process to consider all eventualities.

“This is something which has really brought the community together and I hope something positive will come from it.

“There is a lot of goodwill in West Vale, certainly there are a few problems to resolve, but there’s a group of people who want the best for our community.”