PLANS to turn a barber's and a former butcher shop in Silsden into a micropub have been approved by Bradford Council.

The application, by a Mr Atkinson, would see the F Bradley butcher shop on Bradley Road, which has been empty for over a year, and a neighbouring barber's shop converted into a new pub measuring just 50 square metres.

His application said the barber was soon to vacate the building.

There had been objections to the plans, including one saying Silsden did not need another pub, and another saying patrons would "drink and smoke outside and this is not a good example for the young children."

But planning officers have now approved the change of use, saying: "It is considered beneficial for a range of uses including retail and leisure to be provided within a local centre.

"As no external alterations are proposed, the proposal is not considered to result in any adverse implications in respect of the street scene."