A RETROSPECTIVE application to change the use of a property on a Keighley business park into a children's party venue was approved by councillors.

The application was submitted by a company called Disco Planet, which occupies Unit 8 at Valley Road Business Park in Gas Works Road.

Proposals had met with 90 objections and one petition also opposing the plans, as well as 64 letters of support.

Bradford Council planning officers, who recommended approval, said that as the venue's hours of operation are limited to 10am to 6pm at weekends, it does not clash with those times when the industrial area is at its busiest.

They said the application should be passed, provided the venue is not used for children's parties outside the hours of 9am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Speaking at last Wednesday's Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel meeting, planning officer, Martyn Burke, said: "It's an innovative and unusual proposal for this type of site, which would provide three part-time jobs, and it is already being enjoyed by children."

Opposing the proposals, the neighbouring dog day care business said noise from children and music would agitate the animals it looks after, so would deter customers from using the business.

The firm also warned that Disco Planet's rear fire escape exits into an outdoor compound used to exercise dogs, risking children coming into potentially dangerous contact with animals in the event of an emergency.

However, councillors agreed that the party venue's hours of operation and its fencing off of the rear escape route means it should not conflict with the dog day care business.

Cllr Doreen Lee said: "I've never been keen on retrospective applications, but in this case I've no problem with it. I'm absolutely in favour."