PLANS to convert 20 units of holiday accommodation into nine permanent homes went before Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish councillors.

The application has been submitted for Westfield Lodge, off Moor Side Lane, near Penistone Hill Country Park.

An agent's statement submitted as part of the proposals explains: "The buildings are already in a residential use and can be converted to permanent dwellings with minimal alterations.

"The development will provide new housing and this is an important consideration in the decision-making process. Boosting the supply of housing is an important objective of the National Planning Policy Framework.

"Essentially, no new built development is proposed as the application is for the change of use of existing buildings.

"The proposed use is considered to be less intensive use of the site than existing. Overall, the alterations would have a positive benefit on the local landscape character."

Responding to the proposals at their latest full meeting, parish council members said they would ideally like to see more detail on what building materials would be used. They added that the rural setting of the application site would need to be protected.

Cllr Gary Swallow said: "The construction needs to be sympathetic to the surroundings.

"We should state that we're concerned about the construction materials, because this is right on the edge of Penistone Hill Country Park.

"We should recommend that if the development is to take place, they must use traditional designs and materials."

Parish councillors agreed to express these points in its formal consultation response. The application will be decided by Bradford Council.