A TIDE of public reaction has greeted plans to transform a former pub and working men’s club to the tune of more than £1m.

Mark Lawn, former Bradford City Football Club chairman, and business partner Kelly Shaw have submitted an application to merge the Market Tavern and Wibsey Sports and Social Club into a new bar called The Garden Shed.

A fire last year caused both to close, but it is hoped the renovation could bring a new lease of life to Wibsey’s social scene.

The plans have sparked fury from some residents and councillors, while others have welcomed investment into the village.

Lodging an objection on Bradford Council’s planning website, Dorothy Yale said: “We do not need another drinking facility in Wibsey. There is not enough parking space and the noise and rowdiness would be unbearable.”

Tracey Butler said a residential area does not warrant “a drinking establishment of that size” and raised concerns over the proposed opening hours.

She said: “We have to put up with rowdy behaviour every weekend from revellers coming home.

“Bank holiday weekends are a nightmare to live here. I work shifts, as do my neighbours, and this level of noise, nuisance and disturbance is unacceptable as it is now. If these plans were to go ahead, then it would be unbearable to be a Wibsey resident.”

Councillor David Green (Labour, Wibsey) has now written to Mr Lawn to see if a meeting can be arranged to talk through the plans and see if any changes can be made in response to concerns.

He said: “It was just to say there is real, and legitimate, concerns about his proposals by the people who are in the immediate area, and also others.

“My position has always been that when there’s a huge development, quite often some of the issues can be resolved by people talking to each other.”

Cllr Green said he would like the building to be brought back into use but as “the right sort of development for the people who live in the area”.

Meanwhile, others have said the plans would improve the look of the buildings. Supporting the application, Dennis Dickinson wrote: “Area looks shabby at moment, hopefully will be smartened up.”

And Rachel Connell said the renovation is a “great idea”, bringing job opportunities to the area and more business into the village.

Mr Lawn said he would be open to talking with Cllr Green about the proposals but said the planning permission was just to make the building look better.

He said: “We have not applied to do anything we are not already doing.

“We are spending a lot of money, so it’s going to be better.”