Work on a multi-million pound city centre leisure development has been put on hold after a nearby bar objected to its licensing application.

Contractors were about to begin work on the £5 million Glydegate development in the city's West End pub-land when neighbouring Chicago Rock Caf challenged the application for a justice's licence until 2am.

The large three-storey entertainment complex is set to have two caf bars with terraced areas, a nightclub and new public square. The development is expected to bring up to 100 jobs to the city.

Today Luminar Leisure Ltd, which operates the Chicago Rock Caf in Morley Street, confirmed it had objected to the application to Bradford licensing magistrates by the developers Leeds and London Holdings.

A spokesman said: "We do not feel the planned venue in this development will conform to the requirement of the licensed laws in place for late-night premises."

The Chicago Rock Caf - like most other bars in the West End pub scene - also has a licence until 2am.

Today Peter McManus, of developers Leeds London Holdings, said: "I am very annoyed about this. The application can not be heard now until March 7 and we will have been delayed by a month because we cannot start work until it is settled.

"This is a standard objection which Luminar puts in to other licensing applications. I believe it masks what they really mean - that they object to competition."

Police have no objection to the licence application.

Two major pub chains have signed up for premises in the Glydegate development, expected to open in November.

London-based Regent Inns plans take over two units and open an Australasian-style walkabout pub with themes of sport and leisure. And Inventive Leisure wants to open a modern, up-market Revolution Bar.