Pub owners who were refused planning permission to build a function room are to appeal against the decision.

Whitbread Pub Partnerships, which owns the Druids Arms in Thwaites Brow, wants to knock through into an existing room and build an extension to accommodate up to 80 people.

Landlord Michael Barker says the function room would give local organisations a better place to meet.

He says: "Since the plans were refused a lot of local groups who currently meet in the pub have come to us with letters of support. There are no other places for groups to meet in Long Lee and this community room would provide local clubs with a larger place to meet."

Those who meet regularly at the Druid's include Long Lee Cricket Club and the local junior football team.

Three basic objections to the extension were outlined by Bradford council's Keighley-area planning sub-committee:

the development would not provide enough car parking spaces to cope with the extra customers using the pub, forcing people to park on the road and making it dangerous

the increase in customers would lead to more noise and disturbance in the area

the external appearance of the proposed extension is not in keeping with the local area and the pub building itself.

The planning appeal will be held in Keighley Town Hall on Tuesday, October 6, starting at 10am. The hearing is open to members of the public who will have a chance to speak.

If people are unable to attend, representations can be made in writing to: The Department of the Environ-ment, Room 10/13, Tollgate House, Houlton Street, Bristol, BS2 9DJ. The reference number APP/W4705/A/98/297060 should be included with each letter, and all correspondence should be sent in the next 14 days.

Any letters sent to the Inspector could be read out during the hearing.

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