PLANS have been submitted to turn a prominent former Bradford pub into a small complex of flats and new shops.

An application has been submitted to Bradford Council to renovate the vacant Windmill pub in Wibsey.

The proposed developer has stated that while the loss of the pub is “unfortunate”, the new plans will retain the buildings and their “historic appearance on the high street”.

In a design and access statement supporting the project, the pub is described as a listed building with some original aspects dating back to the mid 19th-century.

The two-storey stone-built property is said to be made up of possibly three separate buildings which have been joined together over a number of years to form a public house with function rooms and living accommodation on the first floor.

Under the new plans, two retail units would be created at ground floor level, with the remaining area converted into two flats. A further five flats, all a mixture of studio single-bedroom units, would be created from the function rooms currently housed on the first floor of the pub.

The inn’s beer garden and outdoor areas would be turned into a ten-space car park for residents and staff.

The design statement reads: “It is always unfortunate to see an established business in a village community come out of use, and particularly a pub business, as we have seen all too often in recent times.

“The proposed used will retain the buildings and their historic appearance on the high street. The development will, with very little alteration, create two retail units which will support and expand the local shopping area and create employment.

“The proposed use is also essential to the future of this long-standing and well supported shopping area in the heart of Wibsey. It serves as a link in the line of shops and eating premises which stretch for some distance along the high street and add to the vitality and strength of this important part of Bradford.

“The use is in-keeping with the residential and commercial nature of the area, and there will be no detrimental impact on the neighbouring dwellings or businesses. The proposed use is appropriate for a listed building and will ensure its long-term viability.”

Councillor Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) welcomed the application, stating: “It is a massive building, and it just doesn’t seem economically viable as a pub anymore. It has a sad recent history of shutting down several times, and has been boarded up as often as it has been open.

“We will await public consultation on the plans, but at the moment, the place is a risky eyesore. It needs bringing back into positive use, and this scheme could add to the retail and accommodation offer in Wibsey.”

The Council is due to make a decision on the plans by June 28.