PLANS to turn a basement bin storage area into a flat have been refused – with officers saying the unit would create a “substandard level of accommodation.”

8 Duke Street is a Grade II listed former solicitors’ office in Bradford city centre that has recently undergone a residential conversion.

This summer a Mr Choudry applied to Bradford Council to turn a bin storage area in the basement into a new one bed flat.

The basement space would get light from some ground level windows looking out onto Duke Street.

But now the plans have been refused by Bradford Council, with officers raising concerns about the standard of living the basement flat would provide.

“We feel the development has been well considered and that it would be of great benefit to the Bradford City Centre Conservation Area.

“We would hope the proposal will stimulate economic activity through the creation of equality (sic) environment.”

The plans claimed the bin storage area was not used – with bins instead stored in a courtyard.

But numerous residents living in the development wrote objections to the plans – saying residents of the existing flats do in fact use the bin storage area – and arguing the building needs more bins storage space, not less.

8 Duke Street8 Duke Street (Image: T&A)

Planning officers said while the flat would meet national space standards, the plans had other shortfalls.

Officers said: “The proposed apartment will be partially below street level with the windows to not be fully sized and partially obstructed by the adjacent street which runs along the side of the building, resulting in limited levels of natural light and outlook.

“The proposed apartment will provide a substandard level of accommodation for the prospective occupant(s).”

They also pointed out that the windows would be next to a busy city centre road and pavement, raising noise concerns.

Referring to the claims the bin storage is no longer used, officers added: “The application form states that the bins are to remain in the courtyard as currently used, however, from representations received it appears that the bins are currently stored inside the building within the lower ground floor bin store and only moved into the courtyard on collection day.

“By storing bins outside, this would lead to odours which would attract vermin and affect the amenity of the occupants of this building.

“The proposed arrangement of the waste and recycle bins within the courtyard would also prevent service and/or emergency vehicles from accessing the building.”

The plans were refused this week.