A GRAND old library building which has stood derelict for some time could be brought back into use as a “fine dining” restaurant.

Plans have been lodged with Bradford Council to revive and repair the Grade II-listed former Great Horton Library building on Cross Lane in the hope of safeguarding it for the future.

The application, submitted by a Mr Sofuir, says: “The existing building has been left redundant for many years and is in a poor state of condition with extensive thefts to the roof leaving the building leaking internally.

“This proposal ensures that this existing redundant building which is in bad condition is brought back into use with absolute minimum intervention.

“General repairs shall be undertaken to the building. It is deemed this application is the best way to ensure the long term life of the building.”

It adds: “The proposal is to change the use of the building from a library to a fine dining restaurant.The building externally will have minimal intervention with repairs taking place on the roof which is in very bad condition.”

The application says cracked and broken window panes will be replaced, there will be decoration and painting of windows and doors and damaged timber panelling will also be replaced.

An existing counter, said to be a later addition, will be removed and will be replaced with a bar, while existing shelving for library books will remain and form part of the bar area.

The existing access into the site will be opened up to create a parking area - the application says it is currently used for “excessive fly tipping”.

The library was built in 1912 and opened in 1913.

The building was listed in 2007 and its entry with Historic England says: “The Great Horton Library, completed in 1912, is of special architectural interest in a national context as a public building designed for, and by a local authority (Bradford Corporation).

“It is well-preserved externally and internally and is of distinctive form and appearance, designed in a well-detailed Jacobean revival style, incorporating good quality relief carving.”

In consultation, Bradford Council’s Environmental Health team said proposed schemes for odour control must be submitted in writing, with details, to the Council for prior approval.

“The applicant should also provide details of likely sound level arising from the proposed use of the premises, and – if necessary – means by which excessive noise will be attenuated,” it says.

Councillor Joanne Dodds (Lab, Great Horton) said it was a shame to see the building "rotting away".

"I do welcome an application in that building because it's a beautiful building - it's part of our heritage - it's listed. To bring that building in to some use is definitely a positive for the area, it certainly would be a boost."

She said the fine dining use would also be a pull for people outside of the area, but added the challenges would potentially be disability access and parking.

"They may have found a solution - and I hope they have," Cllr Dodds added.

A determination deadline has been set for August 30.