A RESTAURANT based inside a Victorian station building is bidding for permission to convert its premises to childcare facilities by day.

The 1875 Restaurant, which specialises in Indian cuisine, plans to cater for youngsters during the day, serving the many local parents who commute to workplaces in Leeds and Bradford.

The restaurant is based inside the Northern Rail-managed station building, which stands on the Ilkley-bound platform of the much-used commuter station, which also has a ticket office and public waiting room.

The business covers the first floor and part of the ground floor of the building, and planning documents show the upstairs could play host to youngsters during the day, with tables being set out in the same space for diners during the evening.

Business owner, Majinder Singh Sarai, has submitted the plans.

He told the Gazette the use of a railway station for daycare is not a new idea however - a private day nursery also operates in station buildings in Hebden Bridge.

The plan is expected to be determined by Bradford Council.