AN eyesore car workshop can be converted into a cycle store and ice cream parlour after new plans were approved.

Proposals for the new business to be built on the derelict site at Apperley Bridge were first revealed earlier this Summer.

The applicants claimed the new use of the site would help boost tourism in this area of the district.

The New Bridge Garage site, between Harrogate Road, Apperley Lane and the River Aire, has been empty for over 20 months and is in a poor state of repair.

The site lies within the Green Belt, but planning officers have approved the work, saying it would have an “extremely limited” impact on protected Green Belt.

The application by JJS Trading said the garage would be refurbished and converted into a bike shop with an attached ice cream parlour.

It would offer bike repairs and rent out ebikes.

It said: “Given its location, adjacent the River Aire, the applicants 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.”

Work to upgrade the canal towpath between Shipley and Apperley Bridge has almost been completed, and is expected to attract more cyclists to the area.

Up to 20 jobs are likely to be created now the businesses have been approved – as well as a number of apprentice roles.

The application was approved by Bradford Council this week.

Referring to the Green Belt location, officers said: “The application site is not located in an isolated countryside location, but as part of a small established area of commercial uses.

Controversial works to listed Apperley Bridge are approved

“The impact on the Green Belt is extremely limited.”

Approving the plans, officers pointed out that the site is near the River Aire, and would be at risk of flooding.

However, work is currently underway to install flood alleviation measures on this stretch of the river, and officers added: “The site can therefore be considered as benefitting from flood defences, which should reduce the probability of a flood event on the site.”

The business will have parking for 17 cars and 34 bicycles.