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

An application to convert the art deco former Betfred building on Kirkgate, and in the Silsden Conservation Area, was submitted by a Mr Hilton in Spring.

This week the re-development plan was approved by planning officers.

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

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

Approving the plans this week, officers said: "The appearance of the building would be improved and therefore the proposal would not pose threat of any significant harm to visual amenity.

"The proposal would bring forth the reuse of a centrally located building on a busy street."

The Art Deco building dates back to 1912, when it was built for the Co-Operative Society. It has had numerous occupiers, including a furniture store, but has been empty since the betting shop shut in February 2019.