The first parking meters are expected to be installed in historic Little Germany on streets originally designed for horse-drawn transport.

The former Victorian German wool merchants quarter is now bustling with modern life as listed buildings are converted into apartments, businesses start to boom and increasing numbers of visitors want to see it.

But firms have asked Bradford Council for a parking scheme to help their customers. And highways officers also want to provide short-term spaces for visitors.

There are now 135 businesses in the urban village and about 2,500 people live and work there. But there are only about 290 street parking spaces - although Council officers say there are others in the nearby city centre.

Traffic orders were advertised in March to allow people to make representations about parking restrictions. And the Council's executive committee will be told on Tuesday that a petition objecting to the scheme has been signed by 200 people and there are three other separate objections. All businesses are in favour of the proposals, however, and the officers will recommend members to overrule the objections and implement the scheme. It includes one parking permit for each existing and new business at a cost of £300.

Residents would get free parking before 9am, after 4.30pm and at weekends.

But other motorists would have to pay between 8am and 5pm on weekdays. The charge for up to 30 minutes would be 20p; up to an hour, 50p; up to two hours £1; up to three hours £2, and £3 for up to four hours.

Council officers estimate the scheme will eventually bring in as much as £100,000 which could be used to regenerate Little Germany.

Most objections have come from people who work in Little Germany. They say too little parking has been provided for them and they should not have to pay.

There have also been complaints that workers will have to walk along dangerous and unlit routes to get parking spaces. But traffic officer Guy Barford will tell the committee all streets in Little Germany are lit and CCTV has been installed.

Executive member for the environment Anne Hawkesworth said: "The request came from businesses who wanted parking spaces for their clients."