Work is set to start on a £2.5 million scheme to convert the historic former Upper Independent Chapel in Heckmondwike into a hotel, restaurant and banqueting suite.

And a businessman has applied for planning permission from Kirklees Council to turn the former Providence Place Chapel in Cleckheaton into a restaurant, conference centre, wedding and dance hall, and provide a 50-space car park.

In January the owner, builder Tom Senior, revealed he was in talks with an unnamed businessman who wanted to buy the four-storey Grade II-listed building.

David Adams, Spenborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce's area trade co-ordinator, said: "The chamber welcomes the plan because it fits in with our Heartbeat Project to increase facilities for tourism and conferences in the Spen Valley.''

Planning officer Derek Sturrock said the application would go before councillors in April.

Meanwhile the Department of the Environment has given listed building consent for the Heckmondwike chapel.

It means planning officers can give planning consent under delegated powers as Councillors have already given their backing for the project.

Planning officer Theresa Harlow said: "We are awaiting further details about parking from the applicant and provided this is satisfactory planning permission will be given.''

The chapel's owner, property developer Margaret Wilson-Clarke, said: "I am very pleased. It means work can start soon after months of waiting.

"I first submitted the planning application last August and was hoping for a decision by October.

"It is now going to be at least another year before the hotel can open because of the delay in getting planning approval.''

The hotel will have 38 rooms, parking for about 60 cars and would be three or four star. There are plans eventually to add a swimming pool and gym.

Councillor Tim Crowther (Lab, Heckmondwike) said: "The hotel scheme is undoubtedly the most significant development in Heckmondwike for decades.

"I can't think of anything better to help with the regeneration of the town. Hopefully having a four-star hotel will bring in more business for Heckmondwike.''

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.