PLANS to turn a dilapidated set of buildings in the centre of Haworth into holiday lets have been refused by a planning panel.

Despite planning officers recommending the new tourism business be approved, Councillors feared that the plan to turn the buildings at the top of Main Street into 11 aparthotel rooms would bring an influx of cars to the village, and put pressure on the area’s car parks.

The application had been submitted by Adrian Longthorne, and would have seen 1-3 West Lane and 14 The Fold converted – with a roof extension built on one of the properties.

It went before members of the Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel on Wednesday, when members heard that the buildings had been in a poor state for at least two decades.

Planning officer Mark Hutchinson referred to the fact that there was no dedicated parking for the 11 rooms, but added: “There are a number of car parks in Haworth, including one 30 metres away.

"The site will also generate custom from people who might not be car borne. Haworth is well served by public transport and the rooms might attract people walking the Pennine Way.”

The aparthotels would have no reception or staff, and Councillor Kevin Warnes (Green, Shipley) asked: “What would happen in the unlikely event of a troublesome resident? Would neighbours be able to contact the operator?”

He was told this was not something that could be controlled through the planning process.

Haworth and Stanbury Parish Council and 25 other people had objected to the plans.

David Mahon, from the Parish Council, said: “The building is in a real bad state, and needs to be redeveloped.

“11 Air B&Bs is excessive, and parking is already an issue at the top of the village. There are already a number of B&Bs up there that use the car parks. The West Lane car park is full every day from visitors to the Bronte Parsonage.”

Councillor Chris Herd (Cons, Worth Valley) said: “I have concerns over parking. You could have 11 vehicles coming here, you could have 20.”

Mr Hutchinson replied: “Equally, you could have none.”

Cllr Herd added: “It isn’t all about bringing in more tourism, it is about the lives of people who live in this area.”

Cllr Warnes said: “In a setting like Haworth, one of the jewels in the crown of our District, we need to get this right.

“There is nothing stopping the applicant from coming back with a plan that is more in keeping with the area.”

Members voted to refuse the application due to concerns about the impact on local roads and car parks and the amenity of neighbouring residents.