A DERELICT car showroom in Apperley Bridge could soon be converted into a cycle store and ice cream parlour if new plans are approved.

And the applicants say the business, which will also rent out ebikes, could help boost tourism in the area.

The New Bridge Garage site, between Harrogate Road, Apperley Lane and the River Aire, has been empty for over 18 months and is in a poor state of repair.

The planning application by JJS Trading would see the garage, which is next to a hand car wash, refurbished and converted into a bike shop with an attached ice cream parlour.

It would also offer bike repairs.

Leeds City Council is currently carrying out works on the Apperley Bridge stretch of the River Aire, just yards from this site, in a bid to reduce flood risks.

And a stretch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath between Apperley Bridge and Shipley is currently being resurfaced.

The plans submitted to Bradford Council say these works are likely to increase visitors to Apperley Bridge, and the business could be an important part in making the area a popular attraction for cyclists.

The application says: “The applicant intends operating a specialist cycle shop from the unit, which will include the sale and hire of E-bikes, as well as maintenance and servicing facilities.

“Given its location, adjacent the River Aire, they see potential to create some attractive additional facilities, i.e., a cafe and ice cream parlour, to supplement this retail space, making this an attractive visitor destination, rather than just a retail facility.

“This proposal will bring what is currently a vacant, unattractive and potentially dangerous building into use.

“The proposed use will be far more neighbour friendly than the previous use, with facilities to attract locals and visitors to make use of the river frontage.”

It says that although there will be 17 car parking spaces on the site, it is expected that many customers will come by bike. 34 cycle spaces have been proposed for the business.

The application says the new business would create up to 20 staff once up and running, in a mix of full time and part time roles. It adds: “The applicant intends on operating apprenticeships, to encourage young persons to take up employment as cycle mechanics and in the catering industry.”

The business would open between 9am and 8pm.

A decision on the application is expected next month.