Businesses owners who feared plans to open a new bookmakers would damage retail in Shipley were breathing a sigh of relief after Bradford Council threw out the proposals.

They raised concerns over plans by Coral Racing Limited to turn the vacant former Jack Fulton's mini market into a bookies would kill trade.

Planners turned down the scheme after hearing from organisations including Bradford Chamber of Trade, Shipley Town Centre Development Partnership (STCDP) and Shipley Business Watch.

Coral appealed in a last ditch bid to open the betting shop but that appeal has now been thrown out.

Jeweller Barry Cooper, a member of STCDP said: “There were quite a lot of concerns this would have a negative impact on shopping in the town centre.

“We want quality retail which supports the rest of the offer in Shipley. We don’t want to see gambling establishments which just take away areas of the town meant for shops.”

Coral submitted its plans for the empty shop last August but they were rejected by planners at Bradford Council.

The company appealed to the Secretary of State in a bid to reverse the decision but planners have dismissed the appeal.

Bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill have shops in Kirkgate and Market Square, respectively, and Bet Fred has a shop in nearby Manor Lane. Coral already owns a betting shop in Kirkgate – three doors away from the empty Jack Fulton’s shop.

Mr Cooper said he hoped the unsuccessful appeal would pave the way for another quality retailer to bring more jobs and shoppers into Shipley.

He said: “I am really pleased the Council has come to this decision.”

Members of the Shipley Area Planning Panel have been informed of the Council’s decision in a report to the panel next Wednesday.