AMENDED signage plans for a new charity shop in one of Bradford city centre's Grade II-listed buildings have been approved.

It comes after concerns were raised by the Bradford Civic Society, which said the proposed fascia sign for a new British Heart Foundation store, at 47 Kirkgate, was "inappropriate for a high-profile heritage building within a central conservation area".

Planning chiefs say amended drawings are "much improved" and will allow the original stone work to be revealed.

The original application said: “The application relates to a five storey traditionally constructed premises which dates from 1876 and was historically occupied by Pearl Assurance Society. The property has subsequently been reconfigured into two retail units covering the basement, ground and first floors, with residential accommodation to the upper floors.”

It added: “As the internals of the premises are in poor condition our proposed improvements will enhance the interior and generally prolong the internal finishes of the premises. The current poor quality plywood fascia will be replaced in plywood to match and painted in white gloss in keeping with the building’s appearance,” it added.

“We will also be installing new illuminated fascia signage using similar materials to surrounding units which will not look out of place within the city centre environment and will improve the poor condition and generally enhance the existing frontage and overall appearance for the benefit of the general public.”

The Bradford Civic Society said it did not object to the shop, or the type of business, but "the unit in question has suffered from poor design in recent years that has caused harm to the traditional heritage streetscape".

It added: “We now welcome the opportunity to promote a more sensitive style of fascia design for a conservation area."

In assessing the application, the planning officer's report says: "The revised drawings are a much improved version of the original proposal. The existing box fascia which is detrimental to the building will be removed and replaced with a replacement which exposes the original stone work.

"The replacement fascia will fit within the gap between the original stonework, similar to some buildings in the surrounding area.

"This will enhance the original features of the building and is deemed to be acceptable."

It adds: "The internal changes will involve a suspended ceiling at first floor level. "Although there is interesting period detail on the original ceiling, this has been adversely impacted by pipework which is associated with the residential use of the above floor."

The report says the pipework may be unauthorised and the Planning Enforcement team are being urged to investigate.

It adds: "Overall, the proposal would benefit the special architectural interest and enhance the character of the City Centre Conservation Area."

The final position of the replacement will be established after the existing box fascia is stripped away to reveal the original fabric of the buildings. Full details will then have to be submitted to and approved by the Council.