EMPTY town centre toilets will be converted into a cafe and cobbler’s shop after new plans were approved.

The Market Square toilets in Shipley were closed by Bradford Council last year, despite strong local opposition.

They were sold by the council at auction earlier this year for £94,000.

David Burton had submitted a planning application that would see the female toilet block split into a cobbler’s shop on one side and a cafe on the other.

Planning officers have now approved the application.

Existing raised flower beds will be lowered to make space for an outdoor seating area for the cafe, and both businesses would have a toilet.

The plan application said the businesses would create three jobs and see the building be refurbished.

There had been no objections to the application, and the planning report said: “The change of use will bring a greater variety of uses to the centre and is in a sustainable location it is therefore considered acceptable.

“There are no nearby neighbours who would be adversely affected by the proposal.”