PROPOSALS to expand an industrial park onto former railway land in South Bradford have been approved by planning officers.

An application to build 12 industrial units on a site off Shetcliffe Lane was submitted to Bradford Council in July by Appletec.

It would be an expansion of the Wharfedale Business Park, and the application said the development would create 1,392 square metres of industrial space in an area in which the application claims there is a "growing need" for such units.

The application was approved by Bradford Council this week.

Once the units are built, the development could bring around 24 full time jobs and 12 part time jobs to the area.

Each unit on the site would have two car parking spaces and a servicing bay with turning and manoeuvring space to accommodate a 12m rigid vehicle. A small car parking area is also included in the plans, and would have 12 spaces including a disabled space. There is a second disabled parking space adjacent to once of the units and cycle parking facilities for 10 cycles.

Bradford business park expansion is approved

The application had said the units would be put on the open market, and added:"The potential new users would hopefully allow local businesses to move into premises that cater to their needs.

"We have been made aware by local agents that this area has a growing need for commercial units."

There had been no objections to the application, and it was determined by planning officers under delegated powers.

Planning officers said: "The design and palette of materials are relatively simple and provide an appropriate design within the local area and are as expected of an industrial development.

"The overall visual impact of the development is considered acceptable and will not cause adverse impact on the local environment.

"The industrial development will sit within a primarily industrial area and the site forms part of a wider employment site. It is noted that there are some residential properties adjacent to the site, however there is an expectation of industrial or commercial activity in a designated employment site and where other similar uses already exist.

"The level of vehicular activity is considered unlikely to result in any significant adverse implications for traffic and highway safety, and a sufficient amount of access, servicing, and parking space is provided within the site.

"Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, and create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt.

"The proposal would create 12 industrial units and the application forms sets out that the development would generate circa 24 full-time and 12 part-time jobs, which would contribute towards the Council's target of supporting the delivery of at least 1600 new jobs per year."

Conditions of the approval include that the site includes at least two electric car charging points, and that business on the site can only operate between 6am and 10pm.