CONVERTING a city centre pub into offices would lead to “the loss of a public house that is of outstanding national heritage importance” – according to a campaign group.

A planning application to turn the New Beehive Inn on Westgate into offices was submitted to Bradford Council by the building’s new owners last month.

The plans came shortly after the pub was awarded listed status by Historic England.

Applicant Sakhawat Hussain said the work would “preserve as much as possible internally to minimise the impact on the listed building.”

But the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has now objected to the plans – saying an office conversion would result in the loss of “one of the country's very best historic pub interiors.”

Dating back to 1901, the Beehive was described as a “rare survival” of a pub from that era by Historic England.

In their objection CAMRA point to the loss of another city centre pub – the listed Cock and Bottle which was converted to a restaurant in 2013, with the loss of much of its historic interior.

The objection letter, written by Peter Down, pubs officer for the Bradford Branch, says: “The main reason for the objection is that the proposal will result in the loss of a historically important, Grade II Listed public house within the city of Bradford.

“The city has already previously lost the Grade II Listed Cock & Bottle. The loss of the New Beehive Inn will result in more detriment to the city's heritage.

“The New Beehive Inn has also gained a place on CAMRA's prestigious National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, featuring the 280 very best such interiors in the country. Should the proposed development proceed, it would represent the loss of a public house that is of outstanding national heritage importance.

“The New Beehive Inn has long been a place where local people have met to enjoy social interaction in a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere.

"In the hands of efficient management committed to maximising its success, the business could once again be successful. The added bonus of possessing one of the country's very best historic pub interiors would draw in customers from far and wide, as well as locally, if well publicised.

“The applicant's statement assertion that the building was in poor condition, with no evidence to support this, is highly debatable.

"The building was in use as a Public House shortly before its purchase by the current owner. Therefore, it can be reasoned that up to this time it was in, at least, functional condition.

"It would seem logical that, with refurbishment where necessary and respectful of the historic nature of the building, it could continue to be used as a Public House.”

A decision on the application is expected later this month.