Pub could be demolished to make way for new Greggs

An application has been submitted to Bradford Council to flatten the once popular Cross Keys pub on Rooley Lane and build a new branch of the bakery giant in its place.

The plans, by 5apphire Ltd, say the site of the now vacant pub in the Dudley Hill area has been “beset by problems” including fly tipping in recent years, including one incident where almost 400 tyres were dumped on the site.

The application claims there is “no realistic prospect” of the building ever reopening as a pub.

If approved the pub would be pulled down and replaced by a modern, single storey drive thru and car park.

The application says the business would open for 24 hours a day, and could create up to 20 jobs.

The Cross Keys is the other side of the Dudley Hill roundabout from another pub that was recently demolished after a long period of standing empty - the Kingswood Arms.

Plan to demolish Barkerend Road pub to make way for shops and flats is refused

There area around the roundabout is soon to undergo a major road improvement scheme, which will include new traffic lights and more pedestrian and cycle facilities.

The application for the new drive thru says of the pub: “Unfortunately, like many such uses, there has been a lack of demand for this pub, which had stopped trading well before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In the current economic climate for pubs, there is no realistic prospect of this site being brought back into use as a public house.

“The proposal, to redevelop a vacant previously developed site that has been beset by a number of problems in recent years, is considered to bring significant positive economic and social benefits, whilst vastly improving the character and appearance of the area.

“This proposal will create a number of jobs, whereas there is no realistic prospect of the existing use and building providing any significant job creation or economic benefits which must be given significant weight.

“The proposal is likely to generate around 20 jobs as well as other knock on economic benefits such as the payment of business rates as well as providing business’s with a convenient place to meet with the provision of food and drink.”

The application says the long empty site, which has a large car park area to the side and space behind the pub building, has attracted crime, arson and anti social behaviour to the area.

It adds: “The public house has had recent problems with anti-social behaviour with youths congregating at the rear of the pub, which has unfortunately resulted in an arson attack on the garage and surrounding fencing shelter, which required the attendance of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and consequently the demolition of the structure for safety reasons.

“There have also been problems caused for nearby residents, with police called out.

“There have also been instances of fly tipping, with 390 tyres having been fly tipped at the back the site, with Bradford Council involved in contacting landowners to remove them.”

A decision on the application is expected in September.