PROPOSALS to allow new businesses to change the use of empty shops in Bradford without planning permission will go to a public consultation.

Today Bradford Council’s Executive supported plans to loosen planning rules in city centre streets, including Darley Street and Ivegate, blighted by empty shops.

One councillor said the changes could help fill units that were never likely to be used as shops again.

A fifth of the city’s shops are currently vacant, and the new local development order (LDO) would allow these units to be used as shops, cafes, bars, banks or restaurants without the owner applying for planning permission. The changes would not allow shops to become takeaways or betting shops.

After the council’s decision-making executive backed the new LDOs at a meeting on Tuesday, the changes will now go out to a six-week public consultation.

Similar orders recently applied in the city centre have allowed empty units around The Broadway shopping centre to be used as shops, bars and restaurants, helping 11 businesses to open.

Another made it easier for property owners to convert the upper floors of shops into flats. Over 50 apartments have been created through this order.

Councillor Alex Ross Shaw, executive for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We know the future of city centres is moving away from just retail units.

“We want to help businesses that are looking at moving into empty retail units. Some of these units are unlikely to be used as retail again in the future.

“It is about making it easier for business to adapt these units.

“The existing local development orders have been used quite successfully, but only really applied to the small area around Broadway.

“This isn’t about not wanting high standards of design – businesses will still have to apply for permission to change shop fronts, this is just about making the change of use. This should really help the city centre.”

Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe added: “There is a national shift in city centres away from retail and towards leisure and restaurants. We are working towards that in Bradford with the Odeon soon to become a live music venue, St George’s Hall to re-open next year and plans for new housing at the top of town. This is all part of a wider picture for the city centre.”

The order will last for three years and apply to areas including Manor Row, Darley Street, North Parade, Rawson Square Kirkgate, Bank Street, Market Street and Ivegate.

In response to the changes, Si Cunningham, chair of the Bradford Civic Society, said: “We welcome any effort to bring empty shops back into use, but we need to consider very carefully what the implications of heavily-relaxed planning conditions will be.

“With the high street undergoing such unprecedented changes, it’s perhaps more important than ever to focus on quality rather than quantity. As a city, we have to consider whether we want lots of the same thing being done badly, or a really concentrated effort effort to nurture a quality and sustainable offering in town that will act as a catalyst for further regeneration.

“I’ve shared some initial thoughts with the council and look forward to some productive conversations as part of the consultation.”