A green apartments complex will bring barber Michael Bennett his first neighbours for 15 years.

The towering building, on empty land in Bolton Road near Bradford Cathedral, would be in one of the city's most sensitive conservation areas.

Planning officers will seek comments from development watchdog English Heritage on the design and materials to be used.

But today applicants PPG Land Ltd said they believed the plan reflected the concept of the city's masterplan by international architect Will Alsop.

Mr Bennett said: "I am grateful for anything which will bring people into the city centre."

He said previous proposals for a hotel and then offices on the land had never materialised and it had been empty for many years.

"I don't think from a first look at the plans that green is in keeping but I don't think the shopping centre is in keeping with the Little Germany buildings either," he said.

"I think green is a bit incongruous but I won't object."

The developers have said in the report they have submitted to Bradford Council planners: "The colour has been chosen to introduce a new contemporary colour into Bradford's palette. The city has been associated in the past with 1960s grey concrete buildings. The introduction of the green colour will create a bold statement without distracting from the conservation area."

The £5.5 million building, which will also feature glass panels and local materials, is described as "modern with clean lines." It would have restaurants, offices and shops on ground levels and six floors containing one- and two-bedroomed flats and studios.

PPG investment director Simon Dixon said: "I think it is a superb scheme. It is right in the heart of the city and next door to the cathedral. It is a modern design but not too modern and we have worked hard on it."

He said the homes would be priced between about £50,000 and £150,000 to make them attractive to first-time buyers.

"It is hoped to complete the development within about a year if the company received planning permission.

Andrew Mason, chairman of the steering committee of Bradford's new Civic Society, said: "I am a big fan of green. I think that it is warm and friendly. I think it is good that people are thinking about bringing colour into the city and it is provoking thought and discussion."

Marc Cole, regeneration director of Bradford Centre Regeneration - the joint venture company spearheading the renaissance of the city - said the plans would need to be looked at in the context of the quality of the architecture and surroundings.