A NEW app-based private hire company will be moving to Bradford, new documents reveal.

Chinese based DiDi, which links passengers with drivers through a phone app, is planning to apply for a Private Hire Vehicle licence for Bradford.

The company’s plans were revealed in a seemingly mundane planning application that has recently been submitted to Bradford Council.

DiDi UK has applied for permission to use a space in the Albion Mills complex in Greengates as a base for its rollout in the city.

Earlier this year there were rumours the company would be expanding to Europe, targeting markets such as the UK and Germany.

In China the company has dominated the ride sharing market, proving more popular than rivals Uber.

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The planning application by the company says: “Our office space will only be used for internal employees for operational and admin-based functions, and will not be open to the public.

"Furthermore, the office is not to be used for the purpose of driver management or as a booking office.

"Therefore, parking spaces for vehicles and public access is not applicable as the office is not for public use.”

A decision on the planning application is expected next month.

The company has been contacted for a comment.