A BUSY pub in Cleckheaton is expanding into the adjoining former bank building after permission was granted.

The Wetherspoon pub Obediah Brooke on Bradford Road will increase its customer area by 1,500 sq ft over both the ground and first floor of the former Lloyds bank building next door.

In addition the pavement cafe area will be expanded with the whole project creating an extra ten jobs.

Planning permission was granted for the scheme recently, but a date has yet to be set for the work to start.

A report by Kirklees Council planners outlined how the former bank building is attached to the building that houses the Wetherspoons pub and is currently boarded up as it is vacant.

The permission sought was to change the use to an A4 drinking establishment type to allow the existing pub to extend into the adjoining building.

No external alterations are to be made to the building, but there will bee to be openings within the internal walls to allow customers to move between the two buildings.

There were no objections to the scheme and officers approved it under delegated powers.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon reiterated the firm’s commitment to the town.

He said: “We aim to extend the customer area of the pub by 1,500 square foot on the ground and first floor of the bank.

“Additionally the pavement café area will increase by 550 square foot.

“We are adding a staff room and staff changing rooms in the existing building.

“The project will cost approximately £500,000 and will create an extra ten jobs.

“Wetherspoon has planning for the project, but as yet there are no on site dates.

“The project highlights our commitment to Cleckheaton and hopefully it will act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in the town.”

Lloyds announced last April that it was closing its Cleckheaton branch on Albion Street due to a fall in customer numbers using the branch facilities.

Cleckheaton customers were advised to use alternative Lloyds branches such as those at Brighouse and Batley.

Meanwhile another pub in Cleckheaton is undergoing a new lease of life after being transformed into a tapas bar and restaurant.

The Grade II listed former George pub and Mead Hall buildings, Parkside, were sold at auction in 2016 for £214,000 after falling into disrepair following the pub’s closure a a year earlier.

Renovations have taken place since the sale to turn part of the building into George’s Bistro, which opened at the weekend.

The bistro had opened for one night only at the end of December to gain feedback about pricing, the drinks selection and the overall look.

It then opened on Saturday with a special event.

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Earlier plans for the historic Victorian buildings by The Little Gem Pub Company were turned down by Kirklees Council planners in March 2016.

It would have involved a complete revamp with a new extension and roof terrace, as well as a large beer garden and three painted sheds.

But planners rejected the scheme saying the extension and the proposed “external paraphernalia” would not fit in with the listed building and the street scene.