PLANS to build a "Victorian" balcony at a popular Saltaire pub are tipped for refusal by Bradford Council planning chiefs.

The proposals to install new oak bi-fold doors and a balcony at Fanny's Ale and Cider House, Saltaire Road, will go before the Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel on Wednesday.

Councillors are being advised to refuse the application, which has been resubmitted by the business after similar proposals were turned down in September last year.

A report to the panel outlines the alterations would be made to the front elevation of the building, at the first floor level.

It also says that Shipley's Conservative MP Philip Davies is in favour of the plans alongside ward councillors, who have requested the balcony be non smoking.

Their support is centred on the proposal providing an outdoor seating area, which is currently lacking, which will create more jobs and boost the business.

In objection, concerns were raised about a "serious increase in noise disturbance", as a bedroom is at the same level as the proposed balcony. However, the report states a letter of support outlined the proposal would enhance the property and would be beneficial for a local business.

The Environmental Protection Officer has objected to the proposal on the grounds that it is "likely to result in increased noise and disturbance for the nearest noise sensitive premises as the site is surrounded by dwellings".

Design and Conservation have objected as "the proposed balcony and alteration to the existing window would detract from the appearance of the building on this prominent gateway to the Saltaire World Heritage Site".

The report says: "The alterations to the traditional window arrangement to the front elevation of No 63 and the introduction of a projecting balcony and metal railings would be detrimental to the character of the premises.

"The proposed balcony and bi fold doors would be out of proportion with existing features at first/second floor levels and they would be prominent - being on a busy thoroughfare that is a gateway to the Saltaire World Heritage Site."

It adds: "The previous application proposed a glazed balcony which was refused. It is considered that a Victorian balcony would be even more prominent and less in keeping - being more solid and imposing in appearance."

The reasons for refusal are given as: "The proposed balcony and bi-folding doors will result in an unacceptable level of additional noise and disturbance late at night in close proximity to nearby residential properties to the detriment of occupants' amenity. The proposed alterations to the front elevation will introduce incongruous features that would be unsympathetic with the character of the host property and harmful to the appearance of the building and wider street scene on this busy thoroughfare and gateway to the Saltaire World Heritage Site."