RETROSPECTIVE plans to turn a shop unit into a cafe have been refused by Bradford Council.

Alvi’s on Summerville Road was set up without planning permission, and now Bradford Council has refused a retrospective planning application, by Muhammad Hussain, for the change of use from the shop unit, previously used as a plumbers merchants and a carpet retailer, into a restaurant/cafe.

Planning officers said the new business did not include any off street parking spaces, which would cause issues on the street.

Refusing the application, they said: “The use leads to an increase in on-street parking in an area where parking problems already exist which results in conflicts between local residents and customers.”

Officers also said the business had a flue that would “introduce an unsympathetic and incongruous feature within the street scene due to the design and height.”

Eight members of the public had also objected to the plans, claiming the business had lead to an increase in traffic.

Last year a plan to turn a neighbouring unit, 14 Summerville Road, into a cake shop and cafe was refused, with officers also raising concerns over parking.