PLANS to redevelop a neglected and “uninhabitable” building in Bradford’s Little Germany have been submitted to Bradford Council.

RBWest Ltd plan to fully refurbish Grade II listed College Mill on the corner of Upper Park Gate and Barkerend Road, and turn it into a restaurant that will “draw in crowds from all over England”.

The plans have the blessing of Little Germany Action Ltd, a group set up to help regenerate the historic area of the city, who say it will help bring an “important building back to life”.

The building is a former chapel of Airedale College and dates back to 1839, although large parts have been rebuilt in the last 100 years.

It has most recently been used as a Yarn Mill Shop, but has been empty for several years and is suffering from decay.

RBWest is a business listed as having been set up in September by Zubair Shah.

The planning application, which will also include office and storage space, says: “The existing building is in a poor condition and has been neglected over a number of years.

“Some of the timber windows are in very poor condition and rotting away, they are beyond repair. The roof is in poor condition and rain water is damaging the inside of

the building.

“The Little Germany area is known for its heritage but due to the lack of investment within this location the current vacant buildings cannot showcase the beauty of this area and the amazing building designs which have great character and are part of something special within the Bradford district.

“The client wants to change this and lead the way in bringing investors into this location, allowing people to see what this historical area has to offer.

“This facility will rejuvenate the area and breathe new life into this historic part of town.

“The new facility we are proposing will be a bespoke high-end restaurant offering the best of food with a new exciting menu drawing in crowds from all over England.

“We want to create a positive impression by refurbishing the building to a high standard, allowing Little Germany to once again become the central hub of Bradford.”

A letter of support from Little Germany Action has been handed to the council by the developers .

In the letter, chair Dave West said: “College Mill is a prominent building in Little Germany with highly visible facades to both Upper Park Gate and Church Bank. It is a building with a chequered history and one which has been neglected over a number of years.

“Your proposal provides an opportunity not only to bring this important building back to life but also to introduce much-needed alternative uses which will benefit Little Germany as a whole.

“Consequently your proposal has the full support of Little Germany Action and I wish you well in this venture.”

A decision on the application is expected in April.