Andrew Robinson
VISITORS to one of West Yorkshire's most scenic and historic landmarks are being asked how they see its future development.
Castle Hill, one of the most important archaeological sites in the county, has been mired in controversy for months after developers part-built a hotel and restaurant which did not match the plans approved by the local authority.
Kirklees Council took the Thandi Partnership to court and the firm has until June 8 to remove the structure, which is partially demolished. Thandi must also pay the council's costs, likely to run into tens of thousands of pounds.
Failure to comply could mean the company is in contempt of court and could face a further penalty.
The council took a tough stance on the planning breaches after a public outcry at the building, which was larger than the plans said it would be.
Residents branded it an "eyesore" and compared it unfavourably with the pub and restaurant it replaced.
Councillors are now keen to move on and are awaiting the site to be levelled and the building materials taken away.
A public consultation exercise for the future of the landmark – a scheduled ancient monument – will begin once the structure has been removed.
On Wednesday councillors will be asked to agree a plan to work with English Heritage and to seek to create a conservation management plan for the site.
A council spokesman said: "This approach has been adopted for other significant heritage sites across the country including other scheduled ancient monuments, and is a requirement when seeking Heritage Lottery support for improving the site."
Councillors are expected to agree to bring in external consultants to work with the council and English Heritage to develop a strategy for the nationally-important archaeological site.
Last night council deputy leader John Smithson said there would be extensive public consultation.
"I promised back in November 2004 that there would be public consultation once the structure was demolished and I'm very pleased this will now include a comprehensive conservation plan as required by the Heritage Lottery Fund which will also use and build on the feasibility study done in 1999," he said.
The conservation management plan will set out a framework to develop options and a way forward on issues including access, parking, use of Victoria Tower, condition of the earthworks, the potential for a cafe, toilets and other facilities.
The public will also be asked whether they support the development of a pub and restaurant to replace the former Castle Hill pub.
The interpretation and educational potential of the site will also be open to discussion.
English Heritage has a list of experienced consultancy companies which the council hopes to invite to bid to create the plan.
Any future grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund will require a conservation management plan as its starting point.
andrew.robinson@ypn.co.uk