Councillors have turned down plans for Bradford's first Kashmir Community Centre after hearing arguments for and against the multi-thousand pound scheme.

Now organisers will consider appealing against the decision to the Secretary of State for Environment and Transport in the Regions, John Prescott. Alternatively they may submit an amended application to Bradford planning sub-committee.

Councillors were told three letters of objection had been received about possible noise and disturbance, though expressions of support had also been submitted.

But senior planning officer Mick Parr said he had great reservations about the impact of the scheme.

He said that Northside Road, Lidget Green, where the centre would be situated, was full of parked cars during the day and he thought there could be problems.

The application was for a sports hall, function suite, theatre, music hall and snooker centre on empty land which was originally in the line of the proposed relief road.

But Mr Parr said it would be close to houses and was likely to harm the amenities of nearby families. And he said there was no information in the application to substantiate who would actually use the centre.

Planning consultant Philip Coote, representing the applicant, said the centre would benefit the community and would bring about ten to 20 jobs.

There were plans for a 54-space car park but a further 20 spaces could be provided on a strip of land nearby.

He appreciated the fears of residents but their concerns could be met and the scheme would get rid of a piece of derelict land.

Mr Coote said the development would be achieved with private funding and possibly a Lottery cash bid.

A resident who attended the meeting said the site was an eyesore but their main worry was about parking spaces.

Councillor Jack Womersley (Lab, Queensbury) said: "Until all the issues are finalised, it cannot be entertained by the committee.''

After the meeting project manager Parvez Quershi said they were deeply disappointed. The centre was badly needed because there were no other facilities.

Councillor Sajawal Hussain (Lab University) had said previously that he hoped the difficulties could be solved to help Bradford's 40,000- strong Kashmir community.

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