BRADFORD Council is considering enforcement action after planners refused a retrospective application after one of the city's finest traditional Victorian shopfronts was replaced with one made of a glass and aluminium.

The removal of much of the frontage of the former Arensberg’s Jewellers in Ivegate caused a storm late last year, with many saying it was a huge loss to one of Bradford’s most historic streets.

Leaseholder Mohammed Afzaal who has converted the empty unit into a phone shop said it had been in a “broken and in bad condition”.

Traditional fittings and fixtures were removed and the store has since become Fone Zone.

Mr Afzaal submitted a retrospective planning application after completing the work.

But in refusing permission, planners have described the new shopfront as “unsympathetic” with the rest of the street which lies within a Conservation Area, and one which has “failed to achieve a high standard of design”.

At the time the traditional frontage was being removed, Bradford Council issued a statement saying planning consent was not required to do so but any new shop frontage would require planning permission.

When retrospective plans were submitted, however, they provoked a string of objections, including that of the Council’s conservation officer Jon Ackroyd, who said "significant harm" had been caused to the look of Ivegate.

“It was undoubtedly one of the best traditional shopfronts in Ivegate and the wider conservation area," said Mr Ackroyd.

“The removal of the previous shopfronts and replacement with those now evident has caused significant harm to the character of the conservation area.

"It is imperative that shopfronts of at least equivalent character and quality as those removed are reinstated to protect the character of the conservation area.”

Arensberg’s Jewellers was established in 1860, and many of the store’s original features had been retained in the premises’ later years as a branch of the pawnbrokers Herbert Brown.

It had been empty for five years at the time the refurbishment was started.

Although the building was not listed, it was part of a Conservation Area. Council policy says that demolition work in such areas “will be resisted except where the proposed demolition would benefit the conservation area”.

It adds: “New development must be well designed and the use of traditional natural materials will normally be required. New buildings, extensions and alterations must preserve or enhance the appearance of the Conservation Area.”

Alan Hall, of the Bradford Civic Society, said: “It is a real pity what has happened.

“I think Ivegate in general needs a bit of tender loving care. It is one of the oldest streets in the city centre. Bradford could make it into something like the Shambles, but it is not particularly attractive at the moment.

“It is good they’ve refused a shopfront like this, it is a step in the right direction. Hopefully Sunbridgewells opening on the top end might create more interest in more varied businesses opening.”

Mike Murphy, a retired teacher from Thackley, was one of those who raised concerns when the shopfront was first removed. After hearing the application had been removed, he said he hoped the shopfront could be restored, adding: “It is the finest example of a Victorian shopfront in Bradford.

“I’ve never known of so many people to object to an application. I think the Council were simply wrong when they didn’t stop the original shop being removed. It is important the Council refused this, it would have set a precedent if they didn’t.”

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “The retrospective planning application for the new shop front was refused as it did not achieve the high standard of design and used inappropriate construction materials.

“The Council is currently considering its decision with regards to enforcement action.”

Mr Afzaaal did not respond to requests by the Telegraph & Argus for a comment.