RETROSPECTIVE plans for a snooker hall in a mill have been refused by councillors.

The operator of the hall, based in Clifton Mill, Manningham, said the facility was an important centre for local youths.

It has been operating without permission since November.

But yesterday at a meeting of Bradford Council's Bradford Area Planning Panel, members voted to refuse the application, saying it was detrimental to people living on the road, just yards from the snooker club.

The committee heard that there had been numerous objections from neighbours, who complained they had suffered sleepless nights due to shouting outside the club and cars revving into the late evening.

Residents had also raised concerns about anti social behaviour and drug use, and said customers had been parking in residents only areas outside their homes.

The applicant, Mr Muhammed, told the committee: "I opened a youth centre in a derelict building that was not being used.

"It is getting the youth off the street into somewhere they can enjoy themselves. All communities are welcome to come and mix.

"I have complied with everything."

Councillor Alan Wainwright (Lab, Tong) said: "You say you have complied with everything. It that is the case then why is this a retrospective application?

"Planning guidance would say that a business like this would need 11 parking spaces. Clearly this isn't compliant."

Mohammed Amran, (Lab, Heaton), said: "You say you are a youth club, but have you got any youth workers there? Are you working with the youth service? Did you not think to get planning permission before you opened this place?"

Mr Muhammed said he didn't think he needed planning permission.

The panel then voted to refuse the retrospective application.

As Mr Muhammed left the room he told councillors he would appeal the decision.