THE date has been set for a long-awaited public inquiry into the historic pub on Castle Hill.

Two days are being set aside for the hearing over the half-built hotel on the prominent Huddersfield landmark.

A Government-appointed inspector will hear evidence on December 16 and 17 at Huddersfield Town Hall.

It could be several months before a decision follows.

Council officials dramatically ordered a halt to reconstruction work earlier this year - claiming the pub was being rebuilt too high and too big.

The action came after scores of complaints about the work.

More than 250 people packed into a public meeting last month to show their concern.

A Kirklees Council spokes- woman said: "Members of the public will be able to speak at the public inquiry subject to the agreement of the inspector if they attend the opening session which will begin at 10am on the 16th."

In the meantime, the developers behind the scheme have put in a new planning application for a pub and hotel.

Planners are considering the proposal on its own merits, regardless of the public inquiry.

In its new application, the Thandi Partnership has offered to reduce the height of the building.

The council's spokeswoman said: "We are now asking for any representations to be sent to us by November 1."

Copies of the application are available for public inspection at the planning services office in Civic Centre 3, Huddersfield, and at Almondbury library.

* Comments should go to: Planning Services, PO Box B93, Civic Centre 3, Huddersfield HD1 2JR.