THE redevelopment of a former pub site would bring a "significant improvement" to the appearance of one of Bradford's busiest roads, according to planning officers.

This week Bradford Council approved plans to build a restaurant and mini retail park on the site of the former Gallopers pub on Wakefield Road.

The plans, which were submitted by Faizal Patel late last year, said the development would "create a local landmark" on the key route into Bradford.

The Gallopers, a once popular pub, had stood empty on the site for a number of years

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An application to build a restaurant and industrial units on the site had been submitted last year, alongside an application to demolish the derelict 1970s pub.

The demolition application was approved, although the re-development of the site was refused, with planning officers raising concerns that the plans appeared to actually be for a retail park - not an industrial site.

The week demolition work was due to start on the pub, it was the site of a huge blaze that was attended by 36 firefighters.

The cause was believed to be arson.

After some delay due to the fire investigation, the demolition eventually took place.

Late last year the new plans for the site were revealed - with a newly designed 240 square metre restaurant and four small shops a total of 272 square metres, replacing the industrial units from the original plans.

Up to 31 jobs would be created by the plans - the application said, and there will be 22 parking spaces.

The plans were approved by planning officers under delegated powers on Friday. Just two people had objected to the proposals.

Planning officers said: "The restaurant unit has a roughly square footprint but has a striking appearance due to a clever arrangement of timber and glazing which is well suited to its prominence when viewed from Wakefield Road.

"The four retail units along the northern boundary also have a contemporary appearance.

"Given what has previously been on this site and the nature of the surrounding area, the proposed development is considered to represent a significant visual improvement and is considered to be in compliance with local and national planning policy."

When they refused the previous application, officers feared the development could harm the viability of other shopping areas.

The new application claimed there was no other suitable site nearby for this development. Planning officers said the development "Is unlikely to result in any significant harm to the vitality or viability of the nearest designated centres at Sticker Lane, Holme Wood and Tong Street."

Referring to concerns that the restaurant would harm the amenity of people living near the site, officers pointed out that the land used to be home to a pub.

One condition of the approval is that the restaurant can only operate between 8am and 11pm.

Electric vehicle charging points will also have to be provided on site.