A VACANT hotel in Cleckheaton could be demolished to make way for 15 homes, despite ongoing objections about the narrow single-track access road.

The Whitcliffe Hotel, a 42-bed hotel, pub and restaurant, has stood empty since for two and half years, and more recently the land around the Prospect Road building has been used for the storage of motor vehicles.

Now planners at Kirklees Council are recommending that a scheme to demolish the hotel building and allow a mix of homes, including semi-detached, detached and a bungalow, be approved.

Councillor Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) expressed a number of concerns about the original application which was for 20 homes, as did neighbouring residents, but planners appear satisfied that measures in place will address these issues.

These include widening the access road and creating a passing place as well as reducing the overall number of homes on the site, from 20 to 15, and amending the height of one of the planned homes near the single storey Unity House Lodge.

Cllr Pinnock said she had had concerns about the considerable height difference between the site and houses on the adjacent Blacup Moor View, but that reducing the number of homes appeared to address this.

She was however still concerned about the narrow 85 metre long access road, which is currently not wide enough to allow two vehicles to pass simultaneously.

Highways officers have negotiated proposals which include widening the road to 4.5m for the first ten metres and creating a passing place.

They also believe the 15 planned homes will result in a lot less traffic on the access road than when the hotel was in operation.

Cllr Pinnock added: “The access is along a single track road and I can’t see how widening the first ten metres will be sufficient for 15 homes.”

She added that there was also an ancient right of way, known locally as “Wappy Nicket” which needed to be maintained, and a steep drop away from a boundary wall which would prevent the wall from being removed.

If approved, the council is seeking a section 106 legal agreement to secure affordable housing of 15 per cent, a £40,250 contribution towards public open space, and the provision of Metro Cards for residents.

A decision will be made by members of the sub-committee, when it meets next week on Tuesday, June 14, from 1pm at Dewsbury Town Hall. Councillors are expected to visit the site first before making their decision.