AN office building in Little Germany cannot be converted into 39 flats through controversial 'permitted development' rules.

In August an M Zaidi submitted plans to convert Spectrum House, on East Parade, into flats using the planning legislation which allows residential conversions without the need for a full planning application.

The plans would have seen the a mix of six studio flats, 32 one bed flats and one two-bed flat spread out over the building's five storeys.

Under permitted development rules introduced by the Government several years ago, developers need only to ask the Council for "prior approval" for the work to go ahead.

Local authorities can only refuse permitted development applications if there is a serious concern that the conversion would lead to highways or environmental issues.

However, Bradford Council has now deemed that the work cannot be carried out under these more relaxed planning rules after officers raised concerns about the future bin storage for these flats.

Planning changes that would allow shops to become flats without permission are criticised

It will mean a much more detailed application would have to be submitted and approved for the conversion to take place.

Officers said: "The proposal does not show any provision for bin storage within the building. It is therefore likely that bins will either be stored in the street to the rear or on the pavement to the front of the site.

"The street to the rear appears to be used as a service road for buildings along East Parade and Chapel Street with access to the road being possible from Leeds Road.

"In the absence of any information demonstrating that bins can be stored within the site without obstructing adjacent roads and pavements the proposal is not considered to be acceptable in regards to its transport and highways impacts."