AN APPLICATION to open a new bar in Bradford’s North Parade has met opposition from owners of other bars on the street.

There are currently ten bars in North Parade, which in 2015 was voted one of the top high streets in the UK.

The proposed new bar would be in the premises of what is currently a tattoo parlour.

The application’s design and access statement said the new bar would be “beneficial to the regeneration of the area”.

It said: “The proposals will help in the increase of high-end bars which are now more popular at this end of the Bradford city centre. We feel it is beneficial to the area and the increasing progress of the regeneration scheme of Bradford.”

However, the application has met some resistance from business-owners in North Parade.

Keith Wildman, who owns The Record Cafe in North Parade, said the street was already saturated with bars.

“I would like to see a return to the diversity there was when I opened two and a half years ago,” he said. “We have lost independent shops and daytime trade has dropped off.

“Our diversity was praised when we were nominated for the high street of the year, people could come and do their shopping, have some food, and have a drink in the same street.”

Gail Dignam, co-owner of Al’s Dime Bar, said people wanting to open bars should look at streets surrounding North Parade.

She said: “North Parade is becoming saturated with bars at the moment.

“We could do with some bistros and restaurants offering good quality traditional food, the street has enough bars.”

Rachael Reader, of Lingards Terrace, Marsden, has submitted an objection to the application, saying a new bar would leave the street a “ghost area” through the day.

She said: “I am a regular visitor to North Parade during the day and evening and have been pleased to see the transformation of this street.

“However, my worry with another bar is the fact that this area will just become saturated with them and will become a ghost area during the day.

“The Council should be doing more to support the daytime businesses there so the area can have a thriving day and nighttime economy.”

Public consultation is open until Friday, June 9. Visit the Council’s website or write to the Planning Service at Britannia House, Hall Ings BD1 1HX.

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