Backlash over conversion plans for former pub

Dewsbury's former Woolpack Inn could be converted into four new homes

A former West Yorkshire pub could soon be transformed into new homes despite a backlash about the loss of the community asset.

The Woolpack Inn on Whitley Road, Dewsbury, announced its sudden closure in late 2022, with owners blaming factors including the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

Plans to convert the pub into five new homes were submitted to Kirklees Council, with the number of properties later reduced to four, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But almost 70 comments against the plans were submitted to the authority, including one reading: "Public houses, particularly in small villages, are the lifeblood of the community."

"Establishments such as these with much history should be protected, not demolished," they continued.

The community's request to make the pub an asset of community value – which would have helped to protect it from development – was turned down by the council.

The pub was put on the market for 10 weeks to gauge its viability as a commercial operation, but received no expressions of interest.

Kirklees Council said this demonstrated a lack of viability, with officers recommending members of the planning committee to approve the development.

The application will be determined by the council's district-wide planning committee on Thursday.

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