A SHOP owner has urged a government inspector to "ensure the long term viability" of the business by letting him open a coffee shop inside it.

In July Bradford Council refused plans to turn part of a Premier off licence, on the junction of Norman Lane and Norman Terrace in Idle, into a coffee shop.

Planning officers said demand for on street parking on the busy road was already high and, with a lack of off street parking, the new coffee shop would lead to an increase in people parking around the store. The plans were refused on highway grounds.

Now the applicant, S Budwal has lodged an appeal with the government in an attempt to overturn the Council refusal.

His appeal says: "The applicant has occupied and run his business from the application site for 38 years. Small independent retail shops are struggling due to the increase of budget supermarket chains, tighter budgets and customers having more choice.

"The applicant wants to diversify and allocate a small part of the shop floor for a coffee shop to serve the community and existing customers. The applicant feels he can reduce the shop floor, remove certain products and still operate a viable, profitable business.

"The appellant disagrees with the highways comments regarding parking, having many years of experience with the locality and knowing the community.

"The proposed coffee shop is to ensure the long term viability of the business and is a service for existing customers and the local community.

"The appellant does not anticipate an increase in vehicular traffic over what he already receives, and expects the majority of customers to be existing and from local area and to be pedestrian.

"There is a genuine concern over the longer term for the viability of the business and the closure of the business would be a significant loss to the community."

A decision will be made in the coming months.