Planning controversy down the years

Councillors voted to reject the retrospective application for an extension to the premises on Elland Road, Brighouse, in a move described as “catastrophic” by Casa’s management.

In addition to a proposed extension to function facilities and landscaping and reprofiling of land to the rear of the building, part of the application also sought consent to provide office space and facilities for small local businesses within the extension.

The committee’s decision now means that the extension could have to come down.

Chairing the meeting, Coun Daniel Sutherland described the plans as “clearly inappropriate” and “harmful to the green belt”.

Others spoke of the benefits of the business to the local economy and concerns were raised that refusal of the application would put a number of jobs in jeopardy.

Sam Holmes, group manager of Casa Hotel and Restaurant, said there was no option but to appeal the decision.

“The future of the whole business depends on this and it could have a catastrophic impact,” he said.

“We’re going to have to appeal if there’s any chance of making it work in the future. Calderdale Council’s decision to refuse the application is the latest in a series of planning battles involving popular wedding venue Casa. In 2013, Casa’s owner, Jack McDaid, was fined £15,000 by Calderdale Magistrates Court for failing to remove a marquee that was used for functions. Mr McDaid was issued with an

“Employing people is not a remit to do what you want, but it does have a knock-on effect and a wider impact.”

Casa has lodged an appeal against an enforcement notice issued by Calderdale Council, which requires removal of the newly-constructed building. enforcement notice in January 2008, banning him from putting up the marquee and after an appeal was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate in 2009, he was given 12 months in which to take down the marquee. At the time, Mr McDaid said that taking down the marquee would have damaged his business.