The inspector rejects the appeal to convert the sandwich shop and barbershop into a pharmacy

An appeal to turn In Bread sandwich shop and barber shop off Wakefield Road into a pharmacy has been rejected by a planning inspector.

Earlier this year, planning officers at Bradford Council refused an application to convert the two businesses, at 2 and 2a New Hey Road, into a pharmacy with a first-floor extension where stock would have been stored.

It was the extension of the first floor, rather than its use as a pharmacy, that caused concern for planners.

They argued the extension would be an “insensitive addition” to the area and would overshadow neighboring properties.

The applicant Al-Ghani Limited appealed this refusal, asking a government planning inspector to reconsider Bradford Council’s decision.

Their original application stated: “The location for the pharmacy was chosen due to its strategic location near a doctor’s office and within walking distance of a substantial residential population.

“The applicant currently operates a pharmacy as a tenant at 43 Coventry Street called Blackstone Pharmacy. Their plan is to move to 2/2a New hey Road to their own premises, which would be in an area closer to other free services.”

Their appeal added: “The proposed extension will not appear as an obtrusive and discordant addition as it would sit comfortably within the plot and the design, bulk and overall appearance would be consistent with the character of the area and street scene. .

“It was carefully considered, accurately analyzed and clearly illustrated and proven that there would be no adverse impact on residential amenity for existing residents.”

The units that would be replaced by a pharmacy (Image: Newsquest)

But planning inspector M Ollerenshaw has now rejected that appeal, saying there was no evidence the proposed pharmacy could not be based in a more suitable building.

They said: “The substantial increase in height of the existing structure and the change in levels means that neighbors would be faced with a large stretch of walls.

“The proposal could appear too overbearing and overbearing when viewed from the windows and back gardens of these neighbors and would be unacceptably detrimental to their outlook.

“The extension would be a dominant feature and would have a shading effect on another neighbour’s rear garden and those further along the row to a lesser extent.

“I conclude that the proposed development would be detrimental to the living conditions of neighboring occupiers on New Hey Road and Coventry Street.

“The development would provide social and economic benefits in terms of providing a new pharmacy in an accessible location. However, on the evidence before me, I am not convinced that the appeals system is the only means of providing this facility or that there are no less harmful options available.”