A CITY centre office building can be converted into flats after a 'permitted development' application was approved.

Late last year M Zaidi revealed plans to convert Spectrum House on East Parade into 39 flats through permitted development rules.

The policy means developers do not need to apply for planning permission to create flats in empty office space. Under the ruled, local authorities can only refuse such applications if there is a serious concern that the conversion would lead to highways or environmental issues.

Bradford Council had blocked the previous application, claiming there was a lack of bin storage for future occupants.

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The building is in the Little Germany area of Bradford city centre.

A new plan was submitted in November, and included storage space for bins to the rear of the building.

Like the previous proposal, it was for a development of one bed flats and studio flats.

With the new application having addressed the previous concerns over the conversion, the change was approved by Bradford Council.