A CONTROVERSIAL planning application that would allow an empty village pub to be turned into housing will be discussed by Councillors on Thursday.

Plans for the site of the Sun Inn in Cottingley were first submitted to Bradford Council last Spring.

Submitted by Sun Inn Developments, the plans would see the pub turned into eight apartments, with 10 houses built on grounds of the building

The plans have attracted over 90 objections, including one from Shipley MP Philip Davies.

Many objectors argued that the pub was a vital community facility, and should be re-opened. Others raise the impact of more housing in the village.

Plans for Sun Inn, Cottingley, to be turned into flats opposed by CAMRA

Mr Davies said: "The pub has been very much missed by local people since its closure there are no other family pubs serving food nearby.

"Cottingley has had an abundance of new housing in recent years causing considerable traffic congestion in the local area and beyond - more houses would make this situation worse."

There have also been 25 letters sent to the Council supporting the plan.

The application will go before Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee at a virtual meeting on Thursday.

A report to the committee says the applicants have submitted a letter from a chartered surveyor that claims revenue at the pub was declining before it shut, and that it would cost £150,000 to bring the building up to “modern standards.”

The report goes on to recommend that members approve the plans, saying: “Although the retention of the Sun Inn would be desirable, based on the information submitted in support of the application – that the public house is unviable - and considering the existence of another public house and facilities within Cottingley, together with a number of other pubs nearby, it is considered that on balance, the adverse implications associated with the loss of the Sun Inn is outweighed by the delivery of both market and affordable housing on this site."

The committee meets at 10am on Thursday