PLANS to convert two empty units in Keighley town centre into a restaurant and takeaway have been approved.

Applicant Ashok Ali has been given the go-ahead for the conversion of 68 and 70 Cavendish Street, from retail.

As part of the scheme, the ground floor of the premises would become the main restaurant and takeaway area, while the basement would be turned into a kitchen and seating area.

No details of the type of restaurant have been given, but the business would be open from 4pm to 11pm Sundays to Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The premises are part of a Grade II listed building, but are not within the conservation area.

The existing shop front would be retained.

Planning officers said the scheme would bring an empty building back into use – with minimal changes to its external appearance – and would have the potential to make a positive contribution in the town-centre location.

They added there would be some increase in noise at busy times, but that it would have "a negligible impact" on the area.