Controversial proposals for a shopping complex on part of the private car park at Rawdon Road, Haworth, have received the go-ahead. Keigh-ley planning sub-committee granted planning permission for the scheme subject to 15 conditions and a legal 106 agreement. Members of the sub-committee stressed the importance of ensuring disabled facilities were incorporated into a two storey design.

Councillor Jack Womersley also called for a glass area incorporated in the design to be closed off in a move to stop people congregating in the shopping centre at night. Coun-cillors also agreed there should be comprehensive car parking spaces free from the threat of clamping. There was an additional call from Cllr Eric Dawson for some way of reducing pollution, such as a sign asking drivers not to leave their car engines idling.

Woodhall Planning and Conservation is behind the development which has been on the drawing board for the last two years. The company believes the shopping centre will provide an essential addition to the attractions already on offer in Haworth, and ensure the village's future as a tourism centre.

Cllr Dawson added: "Haw-orth needs this because I think the appeal of the Bronts is inevitably wearing thin." Cllr Womersley said: "This is an important development for Haworth which I support, however the Bronts still continue to provide an important attraction in Haworth."

English Heritage, the Bront Society and individual objectors say the two large buildings linked by a glass canopy will be out of character with Haworth, are inappropriate in scale and that the scheme does not match Bradford council policies. A report considered by councillors meeting at the town hall admitted the proposal did not meet its own policies or government guidelines on major retail development outside town centre. But it said the site was in poor condition and consequently made no positive contribution to the visual quality of the village.

An earlier scheme was rejected after committee members criticised it as out of keeping with the village character, but planning officers feel the new one is more suitable, giving the look of a Victorian school, albeit with a modern glazed canopy.

Councillors agreed that the proposed plans would enhance the village's economic opportunities as a tourist destination and to manage car and coach parking. They also agreed that the new plans would not spoil the 'Victorian' look or feel of Haworth, despite arguments from residents who said the design would look out of place.

The applicants say the form of the development is dictated by letting and commercial constraints. Two thirds of the site will remain for car and coach parking.

Council officials concede that the scheme will bring significant amounts of traffic because it is related to the tourist trade.

The development will be subject to 15 conditions including limits on hours of construction and the retention of pedestrian routes through the site at all times.

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