THE group behind a new £400,000 brewery in Bradford city centre is toasting news that its plans have been given the go-ahead.

And it hopes that the business could be open and producing brews by November.

The Bradford Brewery and Brewfactory pub will be based at the former Shaw's Moisture Metres factory on Rawson Road, near Rawson Market - a building that has been empty for eight years.

Work on the development will begin next month and will be part funded by Bradford Council's City Centre Growth Zone fund which was set up to attract business to the centre.

It will create 11 jobs and eventually produce around 16,000 pints a week.

It means beer will be brewed in the city centre for the first time since Hammonds Bradford Brewery closed in 1955.

Managing Director Matthew Halliday said: "We’re absolutely thrilled with the decision and I'd like to thank the Bradford Council staff and councillors who were involved in ensuring this application was processed so quickly and effectively. We're aware it's a hugely ambitious scheme but the council were really supportive and positive about what we're trying to achieve.

"We're now looking forward to getting builders on site and turning this lovely old factory into a fully operational brewery and pub."

Additional funding will come from Dragon's Den star Doug Richards, who is supporting Mr Halliday's plans.

Designer David Craig, of David Craig Design Consultancy in Saltaire, said "The scheme was approved after some minor negotiations regarding materials, colours, flue size and signage design. I am delighted with the outcome, especially that we were able to retain the brewery flues and large mounted brewery signs, as these are vital elements of the building's new identity.

"The development already has conditional building control approval and while we were waiting for the planning decision, we have been busy working on detailed designs and specifications with our structural engineer and brewery consultant – which means we can start construction work as soon as a contractor is appointed.

"It’s such an exciting project to be associated with as the development will bring a redundant building back to life, create new employment opportunities and stimulate further regeneration of the city. I am really looking forward to watching the project take shape - and I can't wait to celebrate its completion with a proper pie and a pint!"

The planning officer's report says: "The proposal is welcomed as it would give rise to a business unit and employment ."