Fashion brand gets go-ahead for 'flagship' shop

A UK-wide fashion brand has been granted permission to create what it said was a "flagship" store in Bradford after a similar application was turned down last year.

The plans will allow Janan, based on Shearbridge Road, to build a two-storey extension to its current store, which is one of 10 across the UK.

Bradford planners heard the aim was to improve the shop's appearance and create more warehouse space, as well as making space to sell a wider range of clothing.

Asif Khan, Janan Group CEO, said he hoped the plans would "translate into further investment and opportunity" for Bradford and "help strengthen the city as a shopping destination".

"This extension is an important investment, not only for Janan but for Bradford," he said.

"It will allow us to grow our flagship operation, create more jobs and generate further economic activity locally.

"We also want to attract more visitors from across the UK and overseas to Bradford."

Janan, which begun in Bradford in 2010, sells Indian and Pakistani fashion and fragrances, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Last year, a similar application by Janan was refused by Bradford Council.

At the time, planning officers said they feared the development, on the edge of the city centre, could draw shoppers away from the traditional high street.

But Janan submitted a revised application for the development, claiming the business could leave Bradford if it was not able to expand its warehouse.

"To ensure this store remains its headquarters, its flagship, the warehousing solution proposed is desperately needed," it said.

"Without this extra retail and online storage facility they will have to seek alternative locations, and this would more than likely be outside of Bradford."

The scheme has been led by Bradford-based Morf Architecture, working alongside Empace Civil & Structural Engineers and Consult North.

Ayaz Khan, principal architect at Morf, said: "It is particularly rewarding to be delivering a major investment for an established Bradford business, and we now look forward to progressing the scheme."

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