Marsden: Restaurant could open inside former greengrocer's in Yorkshire village
A new restaurant could be on the way for Marsden as plans await a decision from Kirklees Council.
An application has been submitted to change the use of 5 Peel Street in the centre of the village.
The property was previously used as a green grocer’s but planning documents explain that it stopped being used back in July 2025. Prior to this, the site was home to a toy shop.
Under the latest proposals, a restaurant would be brought to the ground floor of the building. Though limited details are provided about the proposed operation of the restaurant, it is stated that it would be an “evening time dining establishment”.
The applicant expects that the business would create two full-time and three part-time jobs.
Other than the re-painting and replacement of the sign board, the exterior of the building would be unchanged. Internally, the kitchen would be at the rear of the building and the seating area to the front.
A supporting document says: “The site is part of a row of shops along the main street within the conservation area of Marsden which is one reason that no external alterations are intended.
"This will result in the proposed change of use and so will have a neutral impact on the conservation area.”
Public consultation on the plans took place last month and came to a close on December 30.
In this time, just one comment was made. This reads: “Marsden needs shops. It does NOT need any more cafes or bars. Please help us make the place fit to live in, for the people who live there, not for tourists.”
But the applicants disagree.
Supporting documents on their behalf say: “Small shops within local centres can ‘come and go’ and so the owner is proposing to invest money into an evening time dining establishment, of which there are few within the village so will be welcomed by residents and visitors of Marsden.”
A target date for a decision to be made by Kirklees Council has been set for February 2.