PLANS to turn Silsden’s former public toilets into a shop have drawn fire from the neighbouring pub.

Objections have been submitted by both the landlord and owner of the Punch Bowl pub to the proposed work on the 1970s toilet block.

Plans are submitted to Bradford Council request permission for change of use of the toilets to retail, and alterations to form a shop front.

Blueprints show new windows, a raised patio area in front with chairs and tables, an indoor trading area on two levels, and two public benches at the bottom end of the building.

Linzi Harper, the Punch Bowl’s landlord, slammed the “extremely vague” plans because it was unclear how her own business would be affected.

She said: “We are extremely busy at dinner times, with some of our customers being disabled. We need to ensure that parking for our customers is available at all times.

Enterprise Inns, which owns the Punch Bowl, has also objected, expressing and concerns including road safety, light pollution, noise from customers, potential disturbance of animals that may be living in the old toilets.

A spokesman added: “Customers of the proposed retail units are likely to use the car park at the Punch Bowl.

“If the car park is full, but the pub is not at full capacity, there is an assumption by customers that the pub is at full capacity, and they will seek alternative arrangements.

“The proposed development would result in an unacceptable impact upon the vitality and viability of Silsden Local Centre and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

Bradford councillor Andrew Mallinson, whose Craven ward includes Silsden, said Silsden should welcome the planned investment in transforming the building.

He said: “It’s clear it would never reopen as a toilet, so it’s nice to have some use rather than a redundant building.

“I look forward to more retail development because it will enhance the ‘offer’ Silsden has.

“Residents have commented before about the decline of the retail sector in the middle of town, so this means a good opportunity to bring more customers to Silsden.” “

But Silsden Town Council said it was objecting at the present time because the plans did not sure how bins and trade waste would be collected because the site was landlocked with no legal right of access.

Bradford Council heritage officers assess the plans because the toilets lie within the Silsden Conservation area,

Bradford Council heritage officers said the proposed change of use would provide an improved facility to the town centre and contribute to the openness of the immediate environment.