Planning application for existing takeaway refused

Deli Plaza opened without planning permission in January 2024

A retrospective planning application for a fast-food kiosk outside a busy shopping plaza in Bradford has been refused.

The kiosk was built at the entrance to Bradford Plaza, in Thornbury, in January 2024 – despite there being no permission in place for a takeaway business.

Now a retrospective application for the business, known as Deli Plaza, has been refused by Bradford Council, with planners saying it could lead to anti-social behaviour and exacerbate childhood obesity levels in the area.

A spokesperson for the business, which employs two people, said they had re-applied for planning permission to avoid potential closure.

Bradford Plaza has become one of the city's busiest shopping areas in recent years, and consists of a number of small shops and food businesses catering for South Asian shoppers from Bradford, and further afield.

The takeaway kiosk is located at the Rushton Avenue entrance to the site – opposite the entrance to Morrisons supermarket.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning officers said the business fell foul of policies that prevent new takeaways from opening within 400 metres of a school, park or youth facility.

A college and a recreation ground are located nearby, as well as a day nursery and a creche.

The officers said the application was "contrary" to the council's policies on supporting healthy eating and minimising the negative impacts of takeaways on children's health.

Planners also pointed out that the proposed opening hours of the business - until midnight - exceed those of Bradford Plaza, which shuts at 7pm.

"These late-night operating hours are deemed to be anti-social and could result in anti- social behaviour and statutory nuisance to nearby residential properties," officers said.

"Late night comings and goings of customers [are] likely to result in noise and disturbance issues."