PLANS to turn an empty church into a youth boxing gym have been approved by planners.

A planning application to convert the former Thorpe Edge Congregational Church on residential Averingcliffe Road into a youth sports facility was submitted by a Ms Fletcher earlier this year.

The proposals would see the building extended to create new first floor space, and the new centre would have two boxing rings, gym space and punch bags.

There would also be a car park for four cars.

The plans have now been approved by Bradford Council.

Highways officers had pointed out that the limited parking would likely lead to some people using the gym parking on the residential street.

But they argued that the parking situation would be similar if the church re-opened.

One condition is the gym can only open between 9am and 9pm on Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.