A DECISION is expected shortly on turning a former museum into holiday accommodation and a wedding venue.

Kirklees Council, which owns the former Red House museum building in Gomersal, has confirmed to the Telegraph & Argus that the plans it submitted a year ago will be determined soon.

It follows a bid to install a blue plaque on the building marking its heritage and honouring Mary Taylor, a former occupant who was a radical feminist as well as a friend of author Charlotte Bronte.

Councillor Paul Davies, cabinet member for corporate, said the Council’s cabinet had approved a £600,000 investment to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of Red House, to bring it back into use as a luxury holiday home, “unique in its Bronte connections”.

“At a time when there is increasing pressure on council finances, the income generated by holiday stays is a financially astute way of retaining the property in public ownership, and means that we can continue to offer managed community access to a site which we know is much-loved by local people.

“A planning application has been submitted for consideration by the Local Planning Authority and a decision is expected shortly.”

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