Castle Hill Development Nears Approval with Upcoming Decision Date
The Castle Hill development project is reaching a pivotal moment as the Kirklees Council prepares to make a significant decision. Scheduled for next Thursday, February 19, the council’s Strategic Planning Committee will evaluate an application from The Thandi Partnership.
Details of the Castle Hill Development
Led by Managing Director Indy Thandi, the proposal seeks full permission to build a visitor centre at Castle Hill. The site is on the north-east part of the hill and aims to provide various amenities, including:
- A restaurant/café/bar
- Six guest bedrooms
- An exhibition gallery
The centre will feature three floors. The basement will contain kitchen facilities, staff rooms, and restrooms. On the ground floor, known for its “earth sheltered” design, there will be a reception area, a shop, interactive display spaces, and toilets. The first floor will house the main restaurant and a lift leading to a viewing terrace.
Additionally, there are plans for a 41-space car park to cater to visitors.
Community Response and Considerations
Community engagement has been notable, with over 123 responses registered regarding the plans. These include a mix of supportive comments and objections. Among these, a significant petition has gathered 3,832 signatures opposing the development.
The high volume of public feedback prompted the Kirklees Council to escalate the application for consideration by the committee. Furthermore, Councillor Alison Munro from Almondbury has requested the council to scrutinize the plans closely.
A noteworthy development occurred when Historic England withdrew its objection to the project. Historic England had previously indicated that while they saw potential benefits, these must outweigh the “less than substantial harm” to the site’s significance.
Conditions for Approval
The council’s planning officers recommend granting permission, contingent on several conditions:
- A £10,000 contribution towards sustainable transport
- Ensuring that identified public benefits are delivered
- Implementing a management plan for the exhibition space and public facilities
The Thandi Partnership emphasizes that the proposed visitor centre will enhance public understanding of Castle Hill’s 4,000-year history. Additional benefits include free access for school groups, a staffed information desk, and accessible facilities.
A Look Back at Previous Proposals
The journey to this point has been complex. The Thandi brothers previously received approval to refurbish Castle Hill Hotel in 2002. However, this led to planning breaches, resulting in an enforcement order for demolition.
In February 2022, the council granted permission for a new visitor centre. However, due to the impending three-year deadline for construction, a fresh application was submitted in December 2024. This current proposal is set to be reviewed next week.
Indy Thandi, who has taken the lead in the current development efforts, acknowledges the concerns from the previous proposal. He aims to rebuild public trust and reassures that none of the original parties involved are connected to the new plans.
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