PLANS to turn an empty betting shop into a restaurant have been approved.

The Ladbrokes at 33 Lilycroft Road, Manningham shut earlier this year, and shortly after a planning application to turn the building into a take away was submitted. However – this plan was refused by Bradford Council, with officers pointing out that it would be just 50 metres away from Lilycroft Primary School and a short distance from Scotchman Road Playing Fields.

The Council’s hot food take away policy prevents take aways from opening within 400 metres of schools, children’s centres or play facilities.

In June M Latif submitted a new application for the unit – this time for a dine-in restaurant and cafe.

Takeaway plan for Great Horton Road is refused for being too close to school and park

There would be space for diners over two floors.

This latest application has been approved, with planning officers saying: “The principle of a restaurant use in this location is considered to be acceptable given the proliferation of takeaway uses and commercial uses within the terraced row.”

One condition of the approval is the business can only open between 8am and midnight.