New plans for shop ravaged twice by fire (From Wharfedale Observer)

New plans for shop ravaged twice by fire

8:00am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Local news By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

A shop ravaged by fire twice in 48 hours last year could be brought back to life after the submission of two planning applications.

The Village Stores building in Addingham was attacked in April 2011, causing at least 60 per cent fire damage to the shop and three-storey house attached to it.

But despite fears from then owner Asama Javed the Main Street building would have to be knocked down, it was boarded up and has remained vacant ever since.

The store was put up for sale earlier this year, with an asking price of about £200,000.

Now two planning applications have been submitted to Bradford Council to re-invent the building as a shop and also add an extension to convert it into two homes as well.

The bid to transform the building has been made by Martin O’Hara, of Ilkley-based London Property Investments, who is believed to own the building.

Mr O’Hara, who was unavailable for comment at the time of going to print, has submitted an application for listed building consent to make changes to the property, and an application for full planning permission detailing the changes.

In a statement to the council, Mr O’Hara says the property is currently uninhabitable.

“The existing building comprises a pair of semi-detached, three-storey dwellings, with an attached single- storey retail unit,” he added.

“Currently, the pair of semi-detached houses have been converted into one dwelling. The existing building has suffered severe fire damage, rendering the pair of semis uninhabitable and the retail unit beyond economic use.

“The proposal is to refurbish and extend the existing building, and convert it back into two separate dwellings and refurbish the existing retail unit, bringing it back into economic use.”

• A 26-year-old man from Leeds is due to reappear at Bradford Crown Court on September 21 charged with arson in connection with the fire.

Tyrone Jeffers, of Roberts Avenue, Leeds, faces a charge of committing arson at Village Stores, Main Street, Addingham, between April 3 and April 7 last year, and a charge of stealing cigarettes and alcohol valued at £3,100 from the shop during the same period.