Plans refused for marquee

Owner of the Casa Jack McDaid and his agent Roger Lee said the marquee was a way for the hotel to generate its funds needed to build a permanent structure in the same place as the marquee early next year.

Seven councillors on Calderdale Council’s planning committee heard how the hotel had already generated more than 60 jobs and more were planned when the £2 million function suite was built. Mr Lee said that noise limitations had been in place since October 19 and that Mr McDaid and his staff had been working with Environment Health to deal with the problems.

“The marquee is a key income generator for the business. We are looking for permission to keep the marquee in that position for a further six months,” he said.

Mr Lee said granting permission would make a huge difference in terms of confidence when it came to people booking the venue.

The plans had been discussed at a previous meeting when the committee was split, equally three a piece. But because no official vote was taken to refuse the plans the application had been brought back for a second time.

Councillor David Hardy who supported the application again said he applauded the applicant for all the effort that he has put into the business. He said he couldn’t put jobs in jeopardy.

Councillor David Kirton agreed. “I think the Casa has done a marvellous job and has had a positive impact on the economy down there and excellent facilities they have as well.”

Councillor Martin Peel said his opinion had not changed and voted in favour. But Councillor Martin Burton who had previously voted in support of the application, said the planning department was in a difficult position with regards taking enforcement action against Mr McDaid for the unauthorised marquee and decided to show his support for the officers voting against the application. Councillors Chris Pillai, Steve Sweeney and Ferman Ali also all voted against the application.