Bradford Asian Fashion Store Plan Refused

Plans for a new “flagship” Asian fashion department store in Bradford have been refused over concerns about retail impact, traffic, and local wildlife.

Janan, one of the UK’s leading Indian and Pakistani clothing brands, had proposed a major expansion from its store on Shearbridge Road.

The company said the move would create more storage space and allow the business to stock a wider product range, particularly in its menswear department.

It also wanted to expand its car park from 35 to 50 spaces.

However, planning officers said the development could divert business from Bradford’s existing retail areas and failed to meet key policy requirements.

Its planning application said: “Janan Fashions is an underestimated business in Bradford, its national standing and position in the Asian fashion is something Bradford needs to support its development along with other businesses within the city.”

But Bradford Council rejected the proposal, citing planning policy which favours large retail developments within designated centres such as high streets and city centres.

Planning officers said: “The applicant has not submitted any supporting planning and retail assessment and therefore has not been robust in outlining their approach to sequential assessment and/or highlighting any likely impact that the proposal may have on the vitality and viability of all relevant retail centres.

“It is therefore concluded that the proposal cannot be fully assessed from a retail point of view.”

Highway officers also objected. They warned the changes could lead to unsafe vehicle manoeuvres and traffic congestion.

They said: “The development is likely to result in unsafe manoeuvring within the site and overspill onto the public highway, to the detriment of highway safety and the free flow of traffic.”

Another issue raised was the impact on local wildlife, particularly bats.

Officers said: “A bat survey is required due to a likely impact on bat flight paths for foraging and social behaviours.

No survey has been provided to evaluate this threat and detail any mitigation measures that may be required.”

Janan was founded in Bradford in 2011 and now has 10 stores across the UK. Despite the refusal, the company remains a prominent figure in British Asian fashion.