A SECOND attempt to create “dark kitchens” in Keighley town centre have been refused.

In Spring a planning application to turn a storage unit on Russell Street into six dark kitchens was refused by Bradford Council.

Dark kitchens are sites where food is prepared for delivery, but have no public facing business like a take away or restaurant.

They have become increasingly popular during the Covid 19 lockdown, partly due to the rise of companies such as UberEats.

Planning officers said the planned Keighley units would intensify the number of cars visiting the site.

The plans were re-submitted by Jima Associates this Summer, with revised proposals for a five space car park.

But highways officers still raised concerns over the scheme, and the application has again been refused.

Planning officers said: “The proposed use would undoubtedly intensify vehicular use of the site. The submitted site plan does not demonstrate a suitable turning facility within the site that would enable vehicles to enter and exit in a forward gear. The proposed use would require delivery drivers for six operators, all using the restricted access with only very limited parking spaces.

“The development as submitted is likely to result in vehicles reversing out of the site and into Russell Street.”