PLANS to turn an empty unit in Shipley into a dental surgery have been approved by Bradford Council.

An application to convert 13 Briggate, on Fox's Corner, was submitted by Park Homes late last year.

The plans would see all four storeys of the building, currently empty, converted, with a reception and waiting area on the ground floor, four dental surgeries on the first and second floors and a staff room and office on the third floor.

It is expected the new dentist will create 10 jobs and cater for both private and NHS patients.

The application says they will "invest substantially" in the conversion project.

There was one named objection, and four anonymous objections that made the same point - that the plans would result in the loss of a "prime retail space" and that Shipley "needs independent shops to thrive."

However, Council planners pointed out that the building was most recently used as a letting agency, and has been empty for a number of months.

Planning officers said: "A dental practice would provide an important community facility that would complement the existing mix of uses and it would be provided at a very sustainable location in terms of the availability of alternative transport links for staff and clients.

"Only limited weight should be given to the objections as they appear to be anonymous and possibly from the same person."