PEOPLE are being encouraged to have their say over plans to turn the former Red House Museum into holiday accommodation, celebrating the building's Bronte links.

The Telegraph & Argus reported earlier this week that Kirklees Council had lodged plans to bring the historic Grade II* listed building back into use.

Now senior councillors have spoken of working to deliver the right use for the building and its literary links.

Built in the 1660s, Red House was home to Mary Taylor, a writer and friend of Charlotte Bronte.

After closing as a museum in 2016, the building – as well as a detached single storey former Cart Shed - has since been predominantly vacant.

The plans involve changing the use of both buildings to short-term holiday stays, as well as licensing the main reception hall for small weddings.

Heritage visitors with interest in Brontes targeted in Red House holiday-let conversion plans

Councillor Paul Davies, cabinet member for corporate, said: “After being closed for five years, I’m pleased we’re now able to submit such an exciting plan to bring Red House back into use.

“We know local people and fans of the Brontes would be delighted to see Red House open its doors once again. So, we’ve worked hard to deliver the right use which not only recognises and celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the building, but offers it a sustainable financial future to prevent it from having to close again."

Councillor Will Simpson, cabinet member for culture and Greener Kirklees, said: “We know literary fans would love the opportunity to stay somewhere which features in a novel penned by one of our country’s most recognisable authors.

"Better still, house guests can combine their stay with a small wedding ceremony within the Red House building. This is a really exciting plan that will allow us to celebrate the cultural and historical significance of this fantastic site."