The historic building reputed to be the scene of Robin Hood's death could be converted to a holiday flat or offices.

Kirklees Priory gatehouse, at Kirklees Park in Clifton, stands on the estate of a 16th Century mansion which has belonged to the Armytage family since 1565.

Now a firm of architects acting on behalf of Lady Margaret Armytage - who owns the land and still lives in the housekeeper's cottage in the old priory - has submitted plans to alter the notorious gatehouse.

But the president of the Yorkshire Robin Hood Society has described the plans as "sacrilege."

They include a new entrance and a new window, an internal subdivision and a staircase. The application also asks for the removal and repositioning of a stone wall and a gateway.

Two further applications highlight plans to convert the former gatehouse into a holiday flat and an office. Phil Hawdon, of Hawdon Russell Architects, Sowerby Bridge, said: "We are not planning to damage the building, only restore it.

"One idea is to convert it into a three-bedroom holiday let, another to convert it into offices for prestigious small office use."

Although Robin Hood is associated with Sherwood Forest and Nottingham, legend has it that an evil vampire prioress bled him to death inside the secluded gatehouse and his body is reputed to be buried at the spot where his arrow fell in the grounds of the hall.

Brighouse councillor Colin Stout (Ind) said: "There is no way anyone can make the gatehouse into a holiday flat - it is a Grade Two listed building. The gatehouse has been like that for 300 or so years and should be left so future generations can enjoy its heritage."

Barbara Green, president of the Yorkshire Robin Hood Society, said: "In my opinion, this is sacrilege."