PLANS to demolish a vacant hotel in Cleckheaton and build 15 houses in its place are being recommended for approval for a second time.

The scheme for the former Whitcliffe Hotel, a 42-bed hotel, pub and restaurant, was deferred by members of Kirklees Council’s Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee in June, despite planning officers recommending it be passed.

Committee members were concerned about the 85 metre, narrow, largely single-track access road to the site, off Prospect Road.

Since that meeting, Council officers have been in discussion with the developer and revisions have been made to the access.

The scheme includes widening the first 20 metres of the road to allow two cars to pass, a passing place party way along, a footway to the northern side of the access road; as well as two traffic calming ramps to either end of the road, the re-surfacing of the road using a contrasting colour, and removing part of the existing boundary wall near to the adjacent Prospect Mill building to provide a new footpath.

Councillor Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said she still had concerns about the proposed development, despite the changes.

“I still have concerns about the passing place because the land is considerably higher that would necessitate quite a lot of digging out and a retaining wall to make it safe.”

In addition she said that the widening of the first 20 metres - around a quarter of the overall road - was still not enough. “It’s still a long length of access road that would be single track when there will be around 20 cars coming in and out of there - it’s designed to cause problems.”

In a report to the committee, officers state: “These improvements would allow vehicles to pass and should also improve inter-visibility between vehicles exiting the unnamed access road and the adjacent site to the north.”

They add: “Given the improvements to the access road and that this road is expected to generate significantly less traffic than the previous use, highways development management support the proposals.”

Developer S Singh has also submitted a “viability appraisal” on the basis that the development is unable to sustain any financial contributions that are normally required with developments of this size.

Previously the Council was hoping to secure affordable housing of 15 per cent, a £40,250 contribution towards public open space and the Metro Cards for residents.

A decision will be made by members of the sub-committee, when it meets on Thursday, December 15, from 1pm at Dewsbury Town Hall.

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