A Bradford businessman has been given the go-ahead to stage rock concerts from dusk until dawn at a former weaving mill.

Councillors on Bradford Council's Licensing Panel approved Alan Briggs' application for an entertainment licence from 10pm to 6am every day.

Mr Briggs, who runs his own printing business Blueprint, says he could hold up to four functions a month at Harber Mills on Thornton Road.

He said the venue would not just hold rock and pop concerts but also jazz, story-telling and arts events.

Mr Briggs converted the ground and basement floors of the mill into five recording studios seven years ago and intends to lease them to bands, some of which have formed their own companies.

After the decision Mr Briggs said he was delighted with the outcome.

"This is the decision we were expecting," he said.

"The mill will become an arts venue which can be used by all members of the community. We have carried out all the work required of us and we are ready to go."

The five members of the panel voted unanimously to give the project the go-ahead.

But chairman Councillor Martin Smith told Mr Briggs: "We would hope there will be no problems at all. Keep a lid on it." The mill will not receive its licence until checks have been carried out to make sure it meets the required fire safety, environmental health and building control standards.

Police initially objected to the application claiming there had already been music and dancing in the building with some events held behind closed doors with the "potential for illegal activities."

However, they later indicated they had no objection to the application.

Mr Briggs claims he had initially been told by the Council that he did not need an entertainment licence for the private functions which had already taken place.

He said professional bands which had helped Bradford "gain its musical reputation" had used the mill to hold private parties to showcase their work to private audiences.

However, Mr Briggs said the mill would not become a nightclub and that he would not be applying for an alcohol licence.

He said he had carried out all the building and safety work required by the Council for a licence and he would be joining the Drugswatch scheme using licensed doormen, having people trained in first aid on the premises, and putting in place safety measures to protect dancers.