A pub near at the centre of a controversial row is to be turned into a home.

Planning permission has been granted to partly demolish and convert the Newsome Tap on St John’s Avenue despite it only being re-opened as a pub last July.

Owned by Newsome WMC Ltd, it will be converted into a detached five bedroom property with a sun room, rear garden and two rear parking spaces.

An access road down the left hand side of the house will also be created.

The plans will not affect the bowling green area also at the back of the house which Newsome Community Sports and Bowling Club members fear could also be turned into houses if another planning application by the company is also approved.

Protesters fight to save former Newsome WMC bowling green below

According to Andrew Cooper, Newsome councillor, the pub has not been open since late last year.

It was opened by Coronation Street star Bruce Jones (Les Battersby) and is on the site of the former Newsome Working Men’s Club and Institute which went into liquidation in 2014.

Its last known landlord, Graham Davies, who is also listed as a joint director of the company.

READ MORE: Hundreds attend protest against plans to develop former Newsome WMC bowling green

READ MORE: Bowlers protest at plans to build on historic bowling green at St Johns Avenue, Newsome

Business man Stuart Smith, bought a two-year option on the entire land from the official receiver.

Neither could be contacted for a comment.

Clr Cooper, said: “We have to question the intention for the site the first place.

“I don’t think the pub has been open since before Christmas.

“The key thing with the approved pub plan is that it shouldn’t have any impact on the green or its facilities.

“One of the stipulations on the agreement is that no building materials or vehicles should go outside the red line, meaning they will not effect it.”

No decision has been made on the planning application to turn the bowling green, which lies at the rear of the pub site, into seven houses.

Mr Smith told bowlers to leave the ground in September and fenced off their entrance which he then pulled down when bowlers broke into the site.

Clr Cooper said: “Regarding the bowling green application, Mr Smith would need a covenant regarding the use of the site to be lifted by Kirklees councillors, which we strongly oppose.

“The covenant says the bowling green should only be used as that.”

“I am hopeful that now that planning permission has been given for the house Mr Smith will meet with bowlers to allow them to take over the bowling site and run it themselves.”