A GOVERNMENT inspector has upheld a decision to refuse plans for a new restaurant in a city employment zone.

Last year Bradford Council refused two separate applications to convert the Beehive Works on Edderthorpe Street, off Leeds Road, into a 662 square metre restaurant.

The section of the industrial building is currently empty, and applicant Roger Lee Planning said the new business would create 15 full time and 20 part time jobs.

It would open from 5.30pm until midnight.

The building lies within an employment zone, and Council planning officers said only industrial and commercial businesses should be allowed to open in the area.

Business chamber backs Council's decision to protect site for industrial use

They said a restaurant would weaken the area's "primary function as a predominantly industrial and commercial area."

Officers said small cafes could be allowed, but only to serve employees of neighbouring businesses.

The Bradford Chamber of Commerce supported the refusal, saying it was important the district had a "supply of good quality, well-located sites capable of meeting the needs of the manufacturing and logistics sectors."

The applicant appealed the latest decision, last year, but this week a government inspector dismissed the appeal and supported the Council's refusal.

A decision report by Andrew Parkin said: "The proposed floorspace and number of employees would be significantly more than would be expected of a small shop, hot food takeaway or café use serving the needs of a local workforce.

"No substantive information has been provided by the appellant to show how the proposed development would serve the local workforce in these circumstances. For these reasons, the proposed use would not support the commercial / industrial function of the employment zone.

"The proposed development would adversely affect the industrial and commercial function of the area."