AN appeal against a decision to refuse planning permission to turn an empty mill and former clothing store into a new Asian wedding venue has been dismissed.

Late last year planning officers refused permission for the conversion of Westfield House, the former Grattan catalogue shop on Ingleby Road, into an Asian wedding venue. Officers said the new business would have inadequate parking facilities, would cause an increase of traffic to the site, and "would lead to noise and general disturbance for neighbouring residential properties".

But applicant Mohammed Tayyab appealed against the Council's decision, which meant a government inspector would have the final say over whether the development could go ahead. One of the reasons given for the appeal was "unreasonable behaviour by planning", with the applicant saying they did everything possible to prove the plans met the correct planning criteria.

The appeal form accused the Council of ignoring its own specialists and policies, which they say did not show the proposed parking was inadequate or that there would be a problem with excess noise.

"Overall the scheme will bring a large unused building back into life, and re-energise this area of the Bradford community. It will provide additional employment, and an attractive venue on the west of Bradford," the appeal form said.

It was the second time such an application was refused for that site. Planning inspector Alison Partington has supported Bradford Council's decision.

She says in her report: "Overall, I consider that the proposal would adversely affect the living conditions of nearby residents with particular regard to noise and disturbance."

The report also said there is a "significant difference" between the number of parking spaces provided on the site and the requirement.

"I consider that the proposal is likely to generate significant additional demand for on-street parking in the surrounding area," says the report.

"Given that this is already an area with a considerable demand for on-street parking, it is probable that this increase in demand would lead to indiscriminate parking that would be detrimental to highway safety and the free flow of traffic, as well as to residential amenity."

The report says that while the proposed use would create a number of new jobs, would bring economic benefits to the local economy and improve the appearance of the site, these factors do not outweigh the "harm" the scheme would cause.

"The proposal would be detrimental to both the living conditions of nearby residents and to highway safety," the planning inspector says.

"As such, it would not accord with the development plan.

"In its favour it would provide a facility that could be used by the local community.

"However, on balance, I consider that this benefit would not outweigh the planning objections to the proposal."