A taxi office near Bradford city centre can be converted into a Dessert Lounge and Shisha Bar – despite concerns that the changes would not comply with the smoking ban.
An application for the change of use for a two storey building on Lawson Street, off Bolton Road, was submitted to Bradford Council by a Mr Abbas late last year.
The plans were recently approved.
Over the years the building has been used as offices and a furniture shop.
The new application shows that although there would be roof lights and windows for ventilation, the shisha bar would still be indoors.
A Council Environmental Health Officer said: “I have assessed the planning application and can conclude that the plans would not comply with the requirements under The Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006.
“This would therefore have a serious health impact on the employees at the proposed business and the members of the public visiting and smoking within the premises that is fully enclosed and therefore not compliant as a smoke free premises.”
But planning officers approved the development, pointing out that although the business would need to comply with the smoking ban, this was not a planning matter.
Officers said: “The proposal overall is considered to improve the appearance and quality of the building.
“The Smoke Free Legislation referred to by the Environmental Health officer is a separate legislative process and one which a footnote will be added drawing the developer’s attention to comply with.”
