Animal care centre plan for former restaurant in Queensbury

If the newly submitted plans are approved, Sandal Farm Restaurant on Brighouse and Denholme Road, between Queensbury and Keelham, would become an animal care centre.

The applicants, Leisure 7 Group, say that while the pandemic has devastated the restaurant industry, it has led to a rise in pet ownership, and the need for businesses that provide grooming, training and overnight care for cats and dogs in particular.

The application is for the change of use of the vacant, rural building to allow such activities to take place at the site, and the new business is expected to create five jobs if approved.

First floor space will be converted into accommodation for overnight staff.

And the application, submitted to Bradford Council, say a wind turbine could also be installed at the site to help power the new business.

The planning application says: “The existing restaurant building has been empty and unused for several years, and is now neglected and subject to vandalism.

“Unfortunately, as a result of the current pandemic, restaurants are struggling to make ends meet.

“Consequently it would not be viable to restore the restaurant to its previous use.

“However, there has been an increased demand by the public for the companionship of small animals. This has led to an increased need for centres where pets can be groomed, and receive training, day care, and holiday care.

“The rundown, dilapidated building would be renovated and restored externally with only insignificant changes to its appearance, using materials to match those existing.

“The building stands within several acres of open grounds where the animals can be exercised. This includes a wooded area to the northeast.

“The animals would be housed and looked after on the ground floor of the property.

“Given that the animals will require 24 hour a day monitoring and care, it is planned that the first floor of the building, which was previously used as a residence, should be refurbished and upgraded so as to provide facilities for the resident staff.”

Boasting the green plans for the site, the application adds: “It is proposed that a wind turbine is erected in the field area behind the property to provide sustainable energy for the centre.

“Rainwater would be collected from the roofs to provide the water needed for washing the animals and cleaning down the pens.

“The wooded area would be retained as free growing woodland, where birds and wildlife could flourish and the dogs could be exercised.”

Environmental health officers have said limits on opening hours would need to be imposed to prevent noise nuisance from barking dogs.

A decision on the application is expected to be made in the coming weeks.

At its height Sandal Farm Restaurant hosted numerous fundraisers and meetings by groups such as rotary clubs.

Celebrities to have visited to host events or appear as guests of honour include sports stars Dickie Bird and Willie Thorne and music impresario Pete Waterman.