A SANDWICH shop and barbers’ just off a busy Bradford road can be converted into a pharmacy after new plans were approved.

In Bread sandwich shop and the neighbouring barbers on New Hey Road – off Wakefield Road, were the subject of a planning application submitted by Blackstone Pharmacy.

The plan was for the two units to be converted into a single pharmacy, with an extension built to create first floor space.

The pharmacy would then re-locate from its current site on Blackstone Street.

The initial plan was refused by planning officers, who said while they had no issue with the building being used as a pharmacy, the first floor extension would be an “unsympathetic addition” that would overshadow neighbouring properties.

The applicants appealed this decision – but a government planning inspector echoed Bradford Council’s concerns.

They said: “The proposal would be likely to appear over dominant and oppressive when viewed from these neighbours’ windows and rear gardens and be unacceptably harmful to their outlook.”

The appeal was dismissed.

A third attempt was then made to gain permission when an amended planning application was submitted to the Council.

Planners have now approved this amended scheme – pointing out the new plans have “substantially reduced” the height of the first floor extension.

They also pointed out the conversion will lead to improvements to the building’s appearance and the removal of “unauthorised (and unsightly) external shutters.”