A plan for a new building near Bradford's Alhambra Theatre has been thrown out by shocked councillors who described it as cheap, shabby and ugly.

Planning officers said the architect's drawing was the best that could be achieved after "difficult" meetings with the architects and the company which had submitted an application for the development.

But Bradford Area Planning Panel unanimously turned down an application from Bradford Properties Co-ownership for a two-storey modern building on the recently cleared site between the Alhambra and the former Odeon Cinema. The company wanted to use the new building for shopping, drinking and the provision of hot food.

The site in Great Horton Road is near the hub of the city's West End nightlife including the converted Windsor Baths.

Members were told the planned building had metal panels, stonework and a glazed front.

Planning officer Mick Parr, who recommended members approve the application, said it would complement the lively theatre quarter of the city. He pointed out that a regeneration brief for the Goitside area said the site was worthy of a feature with "striking and innovative design".

But he admitted: "You could go past it and not notice it at all. It is fairly bland." He told the panel one part of the design had perforated metal and lighting to produce an illuminated feature.

But chairman Councillor Clive Richardson (Con, Thornton) moved that it should be refused on the grounds of poor quality design and materials.

He said: "It is ugly. At best it is bland and banal. This is the improved version. The officers had a massive number of difficult meetings with the applicants. We need quality and not something which is cheap and shabby."

Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq (Lab, Bradford Moor) said: "It is a terrible design, the worst I have seen in 16 years."

The panel decided to support an application for a major shopping scheme near Forster Square retail park - despite strong objections from Bradford Chamber of Trade. It paves the way for a major DIY store and garden centre on land bounded by Valley Road, Hamm Strasse, Canal Road and Holdsworth Street.

But the Chamber of Trade said it would undermine the city and planned £200 million Broadway shopping scheme.

The regulatory committee will consider the application next week but it will have to be referred to the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions for a final decision.