A PROMINENT city centre building that has been used as a gym can be converted into flats.

The upper four storeys of 1-11 Westgate were the subject of the latest "permitted development" proposal for a city centre building.

The space, above Subway and opposite the Kirkgate Shopping Centre, had been used as a gym for over 20 years, but is currently vacant.

Earlier this year David Howells revealed plans that would see the upper floors converted into seven two bed flats and 13 one bed flats.

It was not a planning application, but a "permitted development" application. Permitted development was introduced by the Government several years ago, and lets developers convert former office and commercial space into residential use without the need for planning permission.

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Councils can only object to the plans if they raise highway concerns or environmental health concerns.

Bradford Council has now alowed the development - on the condition that measures to protect future residents from noise be installed before anyone moves in.

They said the building was in a "highly sustainable" area of the city centre with good transport links.

Conservation officers said the proposals would not lead to many external changes to the late 19th Century building - described as a "key unlisted building" in the city centre.