OWNERS of the former Ben Rhydding Post Office have successfully appealed against a decision by Bradford Council to refuse planning permission to convert the building into a house.

The Planning Inspectorate has now granted the appellant – Richard Wiley permission – to demolish the existing shop front display window and doorway at 56 Wheatley Lane and replace it with smaller window.

The stone side columns, which frame the shop front, will be retained, and an existing small wall with wrought iron railings will be extended across the front of the former shop.

In making his decision, the planning inspector, Stephen Normington, said: "I agree with the appellant that the retention of a shop front without a retail use would have a negative impact on the area."

He added: "I have no evidence to suggest that there is any realistic possibility of any retail use continuing in the foreseeable future."