PLANS to convert a former betting shop in Silsden into a restaurant have been approved by Bradford Council.

The application for the conversion of the ex-Betfred building in Kirkgate, within the Silsden Conservation Area, has been given the go-ahead by planning officers.

Eight people had objected to the plans, raising concerns including a lack of parking.

However, planning officers pointed out that other town-centre businesses did not have allocated parking spaces – and that if the building was to reopen as any other use, there would still be no parking.

They added: “The appearance of the building would be improved and therefore the proposal would not pose threat of any significant harm to visual amenity."