Plans for the redevelopment of a vandalised college building have split a community.

The former annexe to Bradford and Ilkley College in Browning Street, Bowling, could be transformed into a kitchen showroom, gymnasium and restaurant.

Hundreds of people have protested to Bradford Council about the development, but council officers will recommend that members of Bradford Area Planning Panel approve a planning application when they meet on Thursday.

The Council has received a 420-name petition objecting to the development and 225 in favour.

The protesters say they are worried about an increase in traffic in the area where many children have to play in the street because there is nowhere else for them to go.

Today ward councillor John Ryan (Lab, Bowling) said: "It may bring work to the area but it is important to consider the negative side of the development.

"It is a very residential area and there is already traffic calming in some of the streets. There are few play areas and many children are out in the streets."

He said they had hoped the building could be put to community use, possibly including training.

The objectors have also told the Council they are concerned about noise, disturbance and smells.

But officers will tell the planning panel that the proposals will help breathe new life into the deprived area.

The officers admit, however, that there will be extra traffic, noise and disturbance.

They will recommend the panel to restrict the hours of all the activities and say a car park must be provided before work begins. Members will also be asked to impose a condition that there should be no sales from the kitchen showroom.