PLANS to open a new micropub in an empty unit in Baildon town centre have been approved.

35 Westgate used to be the home of Bagpuss, an antique and vintage store named after the popular children’s TV star cat.

Earlier this year, a planning application to convert the empty unit into a micropub called The West Gate was submitted to Bradford Council.

This application was approved yesterday.

Since the plans were revealed, nine people had written to the Council in support of the plans, saying it would provide a boost to this area of Baildon.

Planning officers said: “It is acknowledged that there is a reduction in demand for retail space within established centres and that there is a growing trend for high streets to accommodate other commercial uses in order to thrive.

“Given the fact that the unit has been vacant for over 10 months and is located on the outskirts of Baildon centre, it is considered that an alternative use could be supported.

“The establishment of a small micro pub here would serve to bring a vacant building back into use to the benefit of the viability and attractiveness of the Baildon local centre.”

A condition of the approval is that the pub will need to close by 11pm.