Opposition is growing to plans to change a former pub on a busy Bradford junction into a shop, amid concerns about a lack of parking for customers.

A planning application has been submitted for new window and door openings and steel shutters at The Junction Pub, Bolton Road.

Documents submitted with the bid state the second floor of the Victorian two-storey building will continue to be a residential flat, but that they want to turn the ground floor into a retail unit under permitted development rights.

As a result the application seeks permission for enlarging the existing window and door openings and providing steel security shutters.

But some residents have raised concerns that the work has already begun, despite planning permission not yet being determined. They also fear the addition of a shop without its own car park or dedicated parking spaces will only exacerbate existing on-street parking problems.

One objector said: “I am concerned that what was formerly one public house is now proposing to comprise two retail outlets, plus living accommodation. The site has no more land now than it did in its previous incarnation therefore I would question where visitors to the outlets might park and I am concerned this will lead to a safety risk for pedestrians at a busy junction, particularly one in close proximity to three schools.”

However, Stephen Fisher, acting as agent for the application, said work had been put on hold as soon as the builders were informed planning permission was required for some elements of the redevelopment.

He also added that as no “change of use” application is required to turn a public house into retail, the issue of parking was not a material one for planners.

Ward Councillor Tracey Leeming (Lib Dem, Bolton and Undercliffe ) told the Telegraph & Argus she had requested the Council look into the potential problems with parking.

“I am worried about the amount of traffic this development would create at one of the busiest junctions in Bradford,” she said.

And Bradford East Liberal Democrat MP David Ward has written to the planning department on behalf of his constituents.

The planning application is set to go before planners and the deadline for a decision is August 20.