PLANS to turn part of a former tourist attraction into an industrial development have been approved by Bradford Council.

Three industrial buildings will be constructed on the former car park of Transperience, an ill-fated multi million pound transport museum in Low Moor.

And as part of the scheme, the developers will have to pay thousands of pounds to improve a nearby nature spot.

Sir Robert Ogden Estates submitted the planning application to build over 1,360 square metres of industrial buildings on empty land off Transperience Way, just off the Euroway Industrial Estate and near the M606, late last year.

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The application was approved by planning officers at Bradford Council last week.

Transperience was an £11.5 million museum dedicated to passenger transport that opened in Low Moor in 1995.

The project proved to be a costly failure, and shut just two years later after failing to attract predicted visitor numbers.

The site forms part of a historic railway line that was decommissioned in the 1960s. Sine the closure of Transperience, part of the area has been re-opened as Low Moor Station.

Other areas were developed as an industrial estate.

The approved application is for the construction of two, two storey buildings, with one split into two units. There would also be parking for 35 cars.

Conditions of the approval include a landscaping plan for the site, including the replacement of a number of felled trees, and a grant of £4,000 to improve biodiversity in a nearby wildlife area.

Council’s across the UK are being encouraged to boost biodiversity through the planning system.

In Bradford, the Council is looking to ensure each new development increases biodiversity by at least 10 per cent.

If they cannot achieve this on the site of the development, they will be told to fund biodiversity works on another site.

In the case of this application, the condition is that the developers contribute £4,000 to allow works to either Toad Holes Beck or Raw Nook.

These works could include heathland management, wildflower planting or pond restoration.

Approving the plans, officers said: “The proposed structures are typical of industrial buildings in the surrounding area in terms of design and types of materials proposed.

“The application also includes a landscaping scheme which will add significantly to the character and appearance of the proposed development.

“The proposed development in this employment zone is acceptable in principle and the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in regards to its visual impact and its impact on highway safety.

“There are no residential properties nearby and the on-site impact on biodiversity is compensated for with a contribution (secured within a Unilateral Undertaking) towards biodiversity enhancements on the neighbouring wildlife site.”

Another condition of the application is that electric vehicle charging points be included in the car park.