LONG-AWAITED plans to redevelop an historic hotel are taking a step forward.

The owner of the Victoria Hotel, in Cavendish Street, Keighley, is almost ready to submit a planning application to turn it into apartments and shops.

Harendra Patel said he would submit a formal application to Bradford Council “any day now” to convert the 19th century building.

The announcement follows a warning last year from Mr Patel that he might have to demolish the hotel if he did not receive public cash to subsidise building work.

The latest proposal, which will be privately funded, was welcomed by Keighley councillors keen to see the building brought back into use.

But the politicians stressed the need for Mr Patel to submit a design in keeping with the Victoria Hotel’s heritage.

Mr Patel said his company, Leicester-based Cavendish Keighley Properties Ltd, hoped to build four shops on the ground floor and nine apartments on the two floors above.

District councillor Abid Hussain said: “I hope the planning permission comes through, and I would hope he makes sure the shop fronts are in keeping with the history of the area.”

Cllr Khadim Hussain, who also represents Keighley Central ward on Bradford Council, said: “In this economic climate we need to make the best use of that building. I would hope Mr Patel retains some of the historical features.”