A SCHEME to turn an empty pub into a new nursery has been approved by Bradford Council.

Izzard Day Nurseries, which runs Ashfield House Day Nursery in Eccleshill, revealed plans to transform The Sycamores pub on Norman Lane into a nursery in September.

The application said the nursery would create 18 full time and nine part time jobs.

Planning officers have this week approved the application, saying a nursery was an acceptable use for the mothballed pub building and would help maintain a prominent building in the area.

A number of neighbours had written to the council supporting the scheme, with one saying the pub "has been a detrimental feature in the area for some time."

The development will include a 26 space car park and two enclosed play areas.

Planning officers added: "There will be noise from the use which will be audible to neighbouring residents, but this will be limited to the hours of use proposed which will be between 7:30am and 6pm Monday to Friday, which, balanced against the existing pub use, is considered to be acceptable in terms of residential amenity."

The pub is located in a residential area on the border of Eccleshill and Idle.