PLANS to bring a derelict Grade II-listed former library building back into use have been given the go-ahead.

Earlier this year, refreshed plans for the old Great Horton Library building in Cross Lane, which dates back to 1912, were lodged with Bradford Council.

The initial proposal was to create a “fine dining” restaurant in the hope of safeguarding the building, but those plans were withdrawn.

Then in January, a new application was submitted which said the operator wants to “bring a private event venue to the market for photography, art and media students to use to develop their studies”.

The application stated: “Great Horton Library has been empty for a number of years and is in a state of decline. After viewing the property and inspecting the condition it is deemed that this application is a way of ensuring the long-term life of this listed building.”

The application said the building had fallen victim to vandalism and theft, including lead being removed from the roof, and added: “The building is currently in disrepair, is subject to vandalism, thefts and fly-tipping.

“The proposal is one that will allow the building to be utilised in a manner which matches the character of the building.”

Conservation Officer John Ackroyd noted of the building: “The civic pride devoted to construction is clearly evident.” And he raised concerns about the application.

He said: “Whilst a sustaining new use for the building would be welcomed, at present there is insufficient information, especially with regard to the interior and windows, to determine if the use and proposed layout, maintains the significance of the building.”

A decision report on the application says: “The proposed development is considered to represent an acceptable new use for this listed building that has been vacant for many years.

“It is acknowledged that there is likely to be an increase in activity around the site compared to its previous use as a library however when compared with other uses within the same D1 use class as a library it is not considered likely to result in significant harm to highway safety and residential amenity.

The proposal is also considered to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the listed building, its setting and the conservation area in which the site is located.

“The introduction of new landscaping and new tree planting within the grounds of the site is considered to adequately compensate for the felling of damaged trees within the curtilage.”

The report says internal works, repairs to the roof and replacement windows have already been granted listed building consent.

It adds that mention is made within supporting statements to the fine dining restaurant but “this appears to have been mistakenly carried forward from the previous application”.

A condition of the planning permission is that it is not to be used as a restaurant and the use of the the premises will be restricted to the hours from 8am to 11pm.