A FORMER city centre post office could be converted into a firework shop and beauty salon if new plans are approved.

The Darley Street Post Office was controversially shut in 2016, with the service moving into the WH Smith unit in The Broadway Shopping Centre.

The Darley Street unit has been vacant ever since then, although the upper floors of the Victorian Building have been converted into 16 flats.

This week, a planning application was submitted to Bradford Council by Jmail Assets to divide the upper ground floor of the Conservation Area building into two new businesses.

It says these businesses would be a fireworks retail shop, which will relocate from further up Darley Street, and a “nail and eye lashes saloon.”

The plans also call for space to the rear of these units to be converted into two one-bed flats.

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Referring to the firework shop, the application says an existing business further up Darley Street – Big Shotter, has “outgrown” its existing store and will move into the recently created unit if plans are approved.

Referring to the other planned business, the application says: “Nail and eyelash saloons are one of the fastest growing small businesses on the high street.

“Nail bars assist and help reduce nail biting insecurities.”

It says there is a “keen interest” in Bradford city centre from companies hoping to open these beauty businesses.

The plans show that business would also have several sunbed rooms.

And referring to the apartments at the rear of the ground floor it adds: “The residential apartments will be a good sought after address in an affluent area.”

This stretch of Darley Street is home to several empty shop units, and the application says: “To do nothing, the upper ground floor will fall into a further dilapidated state.

“To provide a fresh use will assist with the sustainable use of an existing building and provide town centre city shopping and living status.”

“In this dim and challenging economic climate with Covid 19 restrictions and the ongoing Russian Conflict with Ukraine, it is laudable for Jmail Assets to seek a new vision for this unit.

“It will also set a catalyst where it will inspire other developments to follow and creates successful commercial spaces.

“The proposals will enhance the area and assist with the local economy boost.”

A decision on the planning application is expected in October.