PLANS for a micropub on Haworth’s iconic Main Street have been approved despite concerns that the business could harm the village’s reputation.

An application to convert an empty former bric-a-brac shop, 17 Main Street, into a small scale pub had divided opinion in the historic village - home of the Bronte sisters.

The plans went before Bradford Council’s Keighley and Shipley Area Committee on Wednesday, where members were told that 80 people had written in support of the plans, but that 37 people, including residents and businesses on Main Street, had written to object to the plans.

The unit is part of a former Co-Operative building that has since been subdivided, and the original heritage shop frontages lost.

Applicant Daryl Ley had said the pub would create a “relaxed social meeting place” on the famous street. It could have around 20 to 30 customers at a time.

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It would also lead to the creation of a new shop front - more in keeping with the Haworth Conservation Area.

Supporters said the new business would improve a tired unit on the street and bring more footfall, but objectors feared the bar would increase noise on the street and lead to people drinking and smoking in front of the premises.

They said Haworth already had 11 licensed premises, and another could cause harm to the village’s reputation.

The unit is located on what the panel was told is the “quieter” end of Main Street, and other nearby businesses included B&Bs, cafes and a restaurant.

The floor above the bar is a holiday let, owned by the applicant.

Sonje Hibbert spoke on behalf of the objectors. She said: “You can’t have confidence in the support comments as they are based on opinion.

“The comments put forward to object are all based on fact - this business will exacerbate the problems on Main Street.

“Haworth doesn’t need any more drinking places. It has a reputation to uphold. Haworth is not just any old town, it is a historic village.

“It is a travesty that a planning application like this is even being considered for a Conservation Area - isn’t Bradford applying for City of Culture status?”

She said the objectors were not against the building being re-opened, but suggested it should be as a cafe rather than a micropub.

The planned opening hours for the pub are 9am to 10pm on Monday to Saturday and Noon to 7pm on Sundays.

William Cartwright, speaking on behalf of the applicants, said the plans would being “vitality” to Main Street and “tidy up a poor quality shop front.”

The panel voted to approve the application.

The panel also placed noise limits on the new business - if it breaches those limits the bar could face enforcement action.