BRADFORD Council planning officers have rejected a supermarket giant’s application to install a cash machine in the window of a Haworth pub.

Tesco submitted the bid for the Royal Oak in Mill Hey as the first stage of its plan to turn the pub into a convenience store.

Its application generated widespread opposition from residents and councillors, who argued this was the wrong location for both a new cash machine and for a mini market.

A statement accompanying the supermarket’s application for the cash machine had explained this would be built into the existing window opening to the right hand side of the main entrance door.

The statement added: “The location of the ATM within the window means its effects are limited to its visual appearance only.

“As [this is] an existing commercial building situated within a local shopping centre, the ATM is not an unusual addition in the context of the building or the street scene.”

However, in its rejection notice, Bradford Council planners concluded the proposals for the cash machine were “unacceptable”.

They added: “The ATM would be installed at a point where the footway is narrow. The use of the ATM would be likely to result in obstruction of the footway, particularly for wheelchair users or parents with prams.

“The narrow pavement at this point may well also compromise the safety or security of users carrying out transactions at the ATM.”

Responding to news of the refusal, Worth Valley Ward councillor, Rebecca Poulsen, said: “I think it’s a very sensible decision – I welcome it and completely agree with it.

“This was a ridiculous and dangerous location for a cash machine. The pavement there is very narrow, and access to the ATM would have been very difficult.”

Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council’s planning committee chairman, Coun Barry Thorne, said: “It seems common sense is prevailing. It was pretty obvious this was a daft location.”

Tesco spokesperson, Mark Thomas, said: “We are mindful of officers’ views and will look to adapt our plans to reflect them.”

Tesco also has a second application lodged with Bradford planners to carry out alterations to other parts of the pub property to make it suitable to accommodate a food store. This application was recommended for refusal by Haworth parish councillors on Monday evening.

Speaking after the meeting, council chairman, Councillor John Huxley, said: “We said it should be turned down on grounds of road safety, noise and nuisance.

“We don’t think it’s a suitable place for a such a development.”

Tesco has previously argued the new store would only involve relatively minor changes to the building, while creating up to 20 new jobs and boosting economic regeneration.

The business has also said the convenience store would mean local shoppers would not need to travel outside the neighbourhood.

The application for changes to the pub building has still to be decided by Bradford Council.

lWhat do you think? E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to the Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley BD21 3AG.