DEVELOPERS spearheading a proposed multi-storey development of student flats just behind the Odeon and Alhambra Theatre say they still hope to develop the site, despite their plans being blocked a second time.

Castlebrook Properties saw its planned 13 storey development on Great Horton Road, which would also have incorporated ground floor shops and a cafe, refused by Bradford Council last year.

The developer lodged an appeal against the decision shortly after. Following a lengthy wait, the appeal has now been dismissed by a government planning inspector.

The decision has been welcomed by Bradford Council, but Castlebrook said it would soon submit amended plans for the city centre site, currently the derelict Castaways nightclub.

Council planning officers had said the development would “detract from the character and appearance” of the area, compromise future development there and that students living in the flats would suffer from the noise of a neighbouring nightclub, the Love Apple.

In its appeal, Castlebrook suggested the council should instead take out enforcement action against the club.

It was the proximity of the development site to the club that led to planning inspector P J Asquith throwing out the appeal.

He said: "The scheme would not be able to provide adequate living conditions for all its future residential occupiers as a result of noise and disturbance from the adjacent nightclub use.

"I do not consider that any condition could be reasonably and appropriately imposed that would be capable of providing the necessary noise mitigation and the adequate protection of living conditions."

However, he did not agree with the council's other reasons for refusing the application. He said: "I am of the view that the proposal offers a bold, considered and imaginative approach. It would result in an overall enhancement of the City Centre Conservation Area. The setting of both listed and non-listed heritage assets would not be materially harmed and, as such, their significance would be conserved." He also dismissed the council's claim that the flats would harm further development in the area.

Last month planning permission was granted for two new bars near the site of the proposed development, in the former Windsor Baths building.

Councillor Val Slater, executive for planning on the council, said: "I am pleased that the planning inspector felt the council got the decision right.

"Bradford City Centre isn't really a place for high rise buildings, and that area has a great skyline.

"There has since been other applications for bars and venues in that area, sometimes it is about zoning, and that area seems to be more suited for evening venues."

Francesco Pacitto, agent for Castlebrook, said: "We're looking at the inspector's decision rather positively. The point of the appeal was to narrow down the issues, and we think that has been achieved. We're now looking at how we can move forward. We still intend to do something with the site and will be re-engaging with planners shortly."