PLANS to turn a former pub into shops have been criticised as paying "scant regard" to the surrounding Conservation Area.

The Wellington Pub is currently empty, but was once a thriving pub in the heart of Thornton Village.

Earlier this year a planning application was submitted to Bradford Council that would see the building converted into two shop units.

But this application has now been refused, with planning officers saying "little thought" had gone into how the plans would impact the Thornton Conservation Area.

Among the issues raised by planners were concerns over a design that would see much of the building's frontage replaced with large windows, and the fact that roller shutters have been installed on a smaller building to the side of the pub.

The plans were submitted by Mohammed Arfan earlier this year, and included a new frontage for the building, which dates back to around 1900.

The pub building lies within the Thornton Conservation Area - a designation that means the building is given an extra layer of protection from any major changes.

Blue plaque unveiled at Bronte Birthplace in Thornton

Thornton is one of the most significant heritage areas in Bradford. As well as being home to many traditional buildings that have survived the expansion of Bradford, it is also home to the birthplace of the Bronte Sisters.

The literary sisters were all born in an unassuming house on Market street, and the village has become a tourist attraction for Bronte fans.

The plans had attracted both supporters and critics. Five people wrote to the Council to support the plans, saying it would bring an empty building back into use.

Fourteen people objected to the plans, saying there was a lack of parking and that there was no need for new shops in Thornton. A petition signed by 18 people had also been submitted to the Council urging them to throw out the plans.

Planning officers have now refused the plans, and criticisesd the application for not including a Heritage Statement - a document that would normally be vital for any application in a Conservation Area.

In a planning report they said: "It is clear that past alterations have eroded the character of the building to a degree, and the front elevation of the single storey aspect was of little merit.

"The main building however has a significant character and amenity value.

"It is only further up Thornton Road where the character of Thornton has been eroded by the addition of modern shop frontages.

"Both proposed shopfronts appear modern in character and incorporate significant levels of glazing.

"These alterations drastically alter the appearance of the building, and whilst details are limited the shopfronts, they are clearly modern shopfronts that as before pay scant regard to the nature of the existing building or character of the conservation area or existing detailing in the building. It is also notable that no heritage statement has been provided in support of the application.

"The development is therefore considered to cause harm to the building and the conservation area. There is no public benefit which would offset that harm."

"As a further point whilst seemingly not part of the proposed application, solid roller shutters have been installed on the property.

"These would be in contravention of the Councils planning policies in respect of shopfront security, and again serve to highlight what little thought has gone into the design of the proposed works given the amount of glazing that is proposed.

Refusing the application they said: "The proposed development would detract from the appearance of the building that occupies a prominent position in the Thornton Conservation Area to the detriment of its character and visual amenity."