A canal boat selling ice creams to tourists visiting Saltaire’s World Heritage Site has been allowed to stay by councillors.

The Are-Jay Bargie can continue operating after councillors granted permission for boat businesses on the 36-metre stretch of the towpath of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal where the brightly-coloured boat has been moored for two years.

Owner Pearl Scott was told to apply for planning permission following complaints from the Half Moon Cafe in nearby Roberts Park, whose profits go towards the upkeep of Saltaire Cricket Club.

Shipley’s Green Party councillors also objected to the location of the barge in a “sensitive area within the World Heritage Site”.

At a meeting of the Shipley Area Planning Panel yesterday, Miss Scott said she had been “overwhelmed” by the support for her business and she had a valid permit from British Waterways to trade on the canal and had been given a five-star rating by Bradford Council’s environmental health team.

Panel members unanimously agreed that well-maintained “single traditional-style” trading boats – like the Are-Jay Bargie – should be allowed to trade where she is now moored.