The owner of a shop which opened without permission said he was unhappy at allegations that drugs were being sold there.

Bradford Area Planning Panel was yesterday considering whether to grant retrospective permission for Shaani’s convenience store, in Undercliffe Lane, Bradford. The change-of-use application attracted eight objections.

Planning officer Mark Hutchinson said: “Anti-social behaviour is the main issue that comes out, and allegations of sales of drugs from the premises, which are clearly issues for the police to deal with rather than the planning authority.”

Applicant Amer Nazir said: “I’m not a drug dealer. I’m a hard-working individual, that’s what I do for a living. I’m not really happy with these objectors. In future, it should be looked at whether you put these comments in.”

The panel approved the bid and allowed the shop to open until 8pm on weekdays and 7pm at weekends.