Plans to convert a 17th century barn into self-catering accommodation at Halifax's Holdsworth House are given the green light

Calderdale Council planners have given Holdsworth House Hotel approval, and listed building consent, to convert Holdsworth House Farm Barn, Holmfield, into self-catering to support the hotel.

Grade II* listed Holdsworth House off Holdsworth Road, is well-known as a wedding and events venue and has received wider coverage from some links with the arts.

The hotel featured recently in the Sally Wainwright-hit drama Happy Valley and has also been used for scenes in the TV series Last Tango In Halifax.

Liverpudlian band The Beatles stayed there after a concert at Bradford while on tour in 1964.

The applicant believes the development will help to sustain the hotel, which itself preserves that building with a long-term sustainable use, helping conserve a heritage asset and boosting the area’s economy.

“The above benefits outweigh the less than substantial harm to the historic significance of the barn,” said a supporting statement by Mark Hide Associates.

Parts of the barn, which dates to the 17th century, have been rebuilt over the years.

The council’s conservation officer agreed that although there will be some “less than substantial” harm to the listed barn, this could be justified by the public benefit of securing a sustainable use for the building.

“Redevelopment of the curtilage-listed stables and ruined barn is not considered harmful because it retains existing historic fabric and secures their future use,” they reported.

No objections had been received about the application, planning officers reported.

There are a number of conditions with the approval, some of which will have to be met before work can begin on the building.