PLANS to convert a Conservation Area pub building into a deli and shop have been refused for a second time.

Planners said the proposals for the former Wellington Pub in Thornton “pay scant regard to the character of the Conservation Area.”

In Summer 2021, Mohammed Arfan was refused planning permission by Bradford Council to change the vacant pub, on Thornton Road, into two shops.

Planners said the changes would spoil the building and surrounding area.

Last year, a second application, to create a deli in a single storey section of the building and a shop selling catering equipment in the main area, was submitted.

At the time of the submission, the deli appeared to have already been fitted out, with roller shutters installed on its frontage.

Much of the ground floor frontage of the pub would be removed and replaced with a glazed frontage if the plans were approved.

Thornton is best known as the birthplace of the Bronte Sisters, and much of the village lies within the Thornton Conservation Area.

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Refusing the application, planners pointed out the building’s heritage value.

They said: “It is clear that past alterations have eroded the character of the building to a degree. The main building has a significant character and amenity value.

“It is of stone construction roughly symmetrical layout with windows either side of a main entrance that is marked by stone detailing.

“The building compliments the neighbouring properties which broadly speaking are of similar character, it is only further up Thornton Road where the character of Thornton has been eroded by the addition of modern shop frontages.

“Both proposed shopfronts appear modern in character and incorporate significant levels of glazing. The shop front to the main building is most striking as the ground floor appears to become predominantly glazed with floor to ceiling glazed panels either side of a glazed entrance.

“These alterations drastically alter the appearance of the building, and whilst details are limited the shopfronts, they are clearly modern shopfronts that as before pay scant regard to the nature of the existing building or character of the conservation area or existing detailing in the building.

“The proposed development would detract from the appearance of the building that occupies a prominent position in the Thornton Conservation Area to the detriment of its character and visual amenity.

“Solid roller shutters have been installed on the property. These would be in contravention of the Council's policy in respect of shopfront security, and again serve to highlight what little thought has gone into the design of the proposed works given the amount of glazing that is proposed.”