BRADFORD Council could foot the bill for the cost of overturning a decision not to allow a fast-food restaurant to be built.

Government planning inspectors say the authority's "unreasonable" behaviour has led to an unnecessary expense for the company involved.

Councillors went against the advice of officers who said a KFC near Odsal roundabout should be allowed, and refused the plans in August, citing highway and lighting concerns.

The franchise group behind the development, QFM, appealed the decision which has now been overturned by Government planning inspectors - who say the company can now apply for costs from the Council.

The plans for a restaurant and drive-through at the Wiltex House site, formerly a police station and snooker hall, at the junction of Odsal Road and Halifax Road, can now go ahead.

Council leader Councillor David Green, who represents Wibsey, said he still thought the plans were "potentially dangerous".

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“The Council was still right to refuse the original application. I think it is a real shame that the planning inspectorate has overturned this and I hope for the local community and people using these incredibly busy roads, that our highway safety concerns don't come to fruition,” he said.

He would not be drawn on how much the appeal may cost taxpayers.

A report by planning inspector Phillip Ware said: "The Council's objection to the proposal rested on the concern that dangerous manoeuvres might occur, however safely the access arrangements were designed and constructed. However this was an assertion only, and was not supported by any evidence."

The applicant and highways officers discussed proposals before they were submitted to the Council, agreeing that customers could only turn left in and out of the site, by extending a central reservation on Halifax Road. This was considered safe by Mr Ware.

Councillor David Warburton, who chairs the Regulatory and Appeals Committee which refused permission, said: "The site is so close to one of the busiest roundabouts in the district and we had highways concerns about the plans. We didn't feel that the plan put forward was rigorous enough."

Residents living near to the site welcomed news that the project has now been given the go-ahead.

Andy Leedham, 60, of Brentwood Gardens, said: "The sooner it gets done the better, it's an eyesore at the moment.

"Most people living around here are fine with it, as long as there's not too much noise.

"Companies have used the site before for access, so that's just an excuse."

Another resident, who lives on Sutcliffe Place, directly next to the site, said: "I'm all for the restaurant, the site needs tidying up and the lighting will make this street a lot more secure."

QFM Group did not want to comment.