A modern apartment block is to be built on the prime site of a derelict pub in Bradford.

Councillors have app-roved an application for the city-living accommodation, part of which will overlook Centenary Square.

The 1970s Empress pub, in Sunbridge Road, is set to be pulled down to make way for the 40 apartments including penthouses boasting views across the city.

Submitted by IDS Ltd of Horsforth, the scheme also includes a car park and offices. It was approved by councillors meeting yesterday.

Bradford Council planning manager Dave Preece said today a historic section of the pub's bar, which moved from the pub's former home in Tyrrel Street, Bradford, would be reclaimed.

"Part of the old bar was saved from the old pub when the new pub was built," he said.

"The building will be demolished but the historic fixtures and fittings are being salvaged and sold on to a reclamation firm."

Mr Preece told the regulatory and appeals committee that the building was an eyesore which made no historical or architectural impact on the area.

No representations objecting the scheme were received by the Council.

The city centre is undergoing a massive regeneration and many existing buildings have been converted into scores of apartments which have been snapped up. Planning officers welcomed the new project which they said would make good use of a brownfield site.

The application was approved unanimously but director of transportation, planning and design Alan Mainwaring was instructed to discuss car parking and the possible provision of lower-cost housing.

Committee member Councillor Ann Ozolins said: "There was concern about car parking because there are only ten places for 40 apartments and I asked for the provision of Metro cards by the developers to be looked at to encourage people to use public transport."