NEW toilet facilities can be built at one of the district's most popular tourist attractions – despite concerns they could be detrimental to a conservation area.

The Bronte Parsonage Museum at Haworth has been given the go-ahead for the public loos, which will be constructed near the entrance to the Grade One listed building's relatively modern gift shop.

A planning application was submitted to Bradford Council in the spring of this year.

The block will feature a number of cubicles and include disabled facilities and so-called 'changing places' toilet provision, which is designed for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have assistants with them.

The loos will be built on an area that is currently covered by trees and shrubs.

In the application, a spokesperson said: "The proposed additional toilet facilities are required by the parsonage to operate effectively given the number of visitors.

"Due to the limited number of changing places facilities across the UK, the client wishes to provide some for the local area.

"Changing places toilets enable those who need them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities which many of us take for granted.

"The chosen location is not only best suited with access to the existing shop, but does not impact on the more historic parts of the museum.

"The proposed toilet block cannot be seen to those viewing the primary or secondary elevations of the museum."

Simon Hinchcliffe, heritage conservation officer at Bradford Council, had voiced concerns that the proposed loss of trees and shrubs would be "detrimental to the setting of the parsonage and streetscape character of the conservation area".

Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council also echoed concerns about the potential impact on the heritage of the historic site.

Early plans for the toilet unit included solar panels on the roof, but after concerns were raised over the impact of such a modern feature on the area, that aspect of the proposal was removed.

Planning officers didn't feel that the toilet block would be detrimental to the older parts of the parsonage building.

They said: "It would be seen from the museum entrance and from the public right of way heading to the west. However, it would be viewed in the context/setting of the modern extension forming the museum entrance and shop.

"The impact on the setting of the historic parts of the parsonage will be modest."