Objectors to another betting shop in Bradford city centre have welcomed a decision to turn down an appeal over the plans.

Betfred had wanted to take over the former Woolwich bank building at 71 to 75 Kirkgate and was initially refused permission by Bradford Council planners in October.

Now a planning inspector has upheld that decision amid concerns that the retail character of the shopping street would be damaged.

Councillor David Green, the Council’s executive member with responsibility for regeneration, had argued that the key location should remain a retail site as there were sufficient betting shops in the city centre already.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: “I have always said that there is a place for betting shops and amusement arcades but what we are looking for in Bradford city centre is a balance across all commercial uses. I would suggest that we have an over-abundance of amusement arcades and licensed betting shops. We would look to use the growth fund money that the Council has allocated to ensure that the city centre has got a mix of attractions.”

The Reverend Chris Howson, city centre mission priest, welcomed the decision. He said: “Let’s hope we will now see a Bradford shop take on the space.”

Planning inspector Jean Russell said “the development would not have an unacceptable cumulative effect on the balance of uses along Kirkgate” but that the “extent of non-retail frontage proposed would be so great as to adversely affect the character of Kirkgate as a whole, and make the street less attractive to shoppers”.

Permission was needed to change the use of the premises from class A1 retail to class A2. It has a history of similar applications to turn it into an adult gaming centre and bingo hall refused by the Council. It has been vacant for four years.

A spokesman for Betfred said: “We are very disappointed with the decision. We had hoped to invest upwards of £120,000 in opening a new first-class betting shop which would have offered a real alternative to the existing shops in this part of the city centre and also created five new jobs.”