A SECOND application for supported living accommodation has been lodged at the site of a village pub in Northowram.

It follows the success earlier this year of Highstone Housing Association’s plans to convert the 18th century Yew Tree Inn into two supporting living units.

Now the organisation has applied to build eight supported living flats in the former pub’s large car park.

The apartments would offer accommodation to adults with learning disabilities who need support to live independently.

In a design and access statement accompanying the latest plans, it states: "prior to drafting this application, the former Yew Tree pub building has recently been granted planning permission for the same use as that covered within this application.

"Therefore it is considered that the use of a large carpark is no longer justified and the principle of residential development within the site has been accepted.

"Discussions for the previous application centred around the principle of residential development on the site, whilst also discussing the proposals from a highway and landscaping prospective.

"The basis of which have been considered within this application too."

It adds: "It is considered that the application site will provide much needed supported living accommodation within a highly sustainable location, with close proximity to necessary local services and is well connected through public transport links."

The new building has been designed to be in keeping with the existing pub building and other properties in the area.

Lucy Lloyd, planning and development manager at Highstone, states: "The development proposals will ensure the sustained future use of a currently vacant public house car park, whilst also providing high quality supported living accommodation for the borough of Calderdale, which is considered to be in high demand."

A letter of support has also been submitted from the Council's adult services department, outlining how it has a "long term vision to develop supported accommodation in Calderdale to meet the current demand".

The earlier conversion scheme proved to be controversial as around 1,200 people signed a petition against the loss of the pub, which dates back to the 18th century, to the village.

When the pub conversion scheme was passed, there was a clear dispute between the objectors and the applicant's evidence about the pub's viability with Enterprise Inns wanting to sell it.

Objectors argued the pub’s historical significance as an asset should not be ignored, with Northowram Historical Society research showing it had been a hostelry since 1770.

The Council had earlier registered the pub as an asset of community value, but it emerged that its status was outweighed by evidence the premises did not have a viable future as a pub.

Members of Calderdale Council's planning committee were split down the middle over the project, and it was ultimately given the go-ahead on the casting vote of the committee chairman, Councillor Steve Sweeney.

A decision on the latest plans is expected in late June.