PLANS to build a high rise development of flats behind the former Odeon building have been resubmitted, despite earlier proposals having been refused by both Bradford Council and a Government planning inspector.

The scheme includes providing 45 student flats with a total of 193 bedrooms, two shops and a cafe for the site of the former Castaways nightclub in Great Horton Road.

A planning application for the demolition of the long empty nightclub, the construction of a ten-storey building and a refurbishment of a neighbouring listed wool warehouse in Quebec Street has been submitted by Bradford-based Overland Developments.

The company is behind a number of building projects across West Yorkshire.

Similar plans, by London-based Daruna Properties, were first refused by the council in 2014 after planning officers said the building would compromise the development of adjoining land, harm the skyline and that students living in the flats would suffer from noise from the neighbouring Love Apple nightclub.

An appeal against the council’s refusal was unsuccessful, and last year the council’s planning officers refused to make a decision on another application for the site by the same developer, saying the application was too similar to the previously refused one.

The new application by Overland states: “We believe our proposals will have a positive impact on the site and surrounding area and will improve the quality of the urban environment within the city centre.”

The previous application led to concerns that the tall building would harm the skyline of an area which includes the Odeon and the Alhambra Theatre.

The new application says: “Despite the proposed building being taller than the Alhambra, this intelligent approach ensures that it does not appear over-dominated. The proposal changes important views of the Alhambra from the east, but maintains their quality and creates a high quality backdrop which is appropriate for this location.”

Councillor Val Slater, deputy leader for Bradford Council, said: “I would encourage any developer to work with the council to see if they can come up with a scheme that overcomes the previous objections.”

A decision on the application is expected in late July.