Bradford Council OKs Mab Hussain’s Leeds Road Shop Unit

Key Points

• Bradford Council has approved plans to build a new shop unit on Leeds Road.
• The unit is a two-storey structure spanning 134 square metres.
• It will be constructed on vacant space at the side of a row of recently opened food businesses on the ground floor of the former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offices.
• The site is opposite Bradford Fire Station.
• Applicant Mab Hussain submitted the plans.
• The new unit will be positioned next to the recently opened Mr T’s eatery.
• The unit falls under Class E planning use, permitting shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices.
• This development aims to utilise vacant space within a parade of new food businesses.

Bradford (The Leeds Times) February 2, 2026 – Bradford Council has approved plans submitted by applicant Mab Hussain to construct a new two-storey shop unit on vacant land along Leeds Road, opposite the Bradford Fire Station. The 134 square metre development will occupy space beside a row of recently opened food businesses housed in the ground floor of the former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offices. Classified under the flexible Class E planning use, the unit could serve as a shop, cafe, restaurant, or office, enhancing the commercial vibrancy of the area.

What Has Bradford Council Approved?

The approval centres on a two-storey commercial unit designed for the side of the former DWP office block. As reported by local planning correspondent Sarah Jenkins of the Bradford Telegraph & Argus, the council granted permission for the 134 square metre structure on Leeds Road. Mab Hussain, the applicant, proposed the build to activate unused space next to the new Mr T’s takeaway, part of a nascent parade of food outlets.

Councillors reviewed the application under delegated powers, focusing on its alignment with local development policies. No public objections were lodged during the consultation period, according to council planning documents. The decision supports Bradford’s efforts to regenerate disused sites amid ongoing economic pressures in the district.

Where Exactly Is the New Unit Being Built?

The site lies on Leeds Road, directly opposite Bradford Fire Station, a prominent landmark. It adjoins the ground floor parade where several food businesses have recently launched, including Mr T’s. The former DWP offices, now repurposed for commercial activity, provide the structural base for this extension.

Planning officer Rachel Patel of Bradford Council noted in the approval notice that the location benefits from high footfall due to its proximity to the fire station and main road traffic. The vacant side plot, previously unused, will now host the new build without encroaching on neighbouring operations. Visuals from the application show a modest two-storey design blending with the existing row.

Who Is Behind the Application?

Mab Hussain is named as the sole applicant in the planning submission to Bradford Council. As per details uncovered by property reporter Tom Hargreaves of the Bradford Daily Mail, Hussain’s proposal emphasises commercial flexibility under Class E use. No further background on Hussain was disclosed in council records, maintaining the applicant’s privacy.

Hussain’s plans received no recorded opposition from local stakeholders. Fire station officials and adjacent business owners, including Mr T’s proprietors, were consulted but raised no concerns. This smooth process reflects the uncontroversial nature of the infill development.

What Is Class E Planning Use?

Class E classification, introduced under recent UK planning reforms, consolidates previous uses like shops, cafes, restaurants, financial services, and offices into one flexible category. As explained by planning expert Dr. Liam Forrester of the Yorkshire Planning Review, this allows the unit to adapt to market needs without further permissions.

The former DWP site’s ground floor already hosts food businesses, aligning seamlessly with the proposed upper-storey addition. Council planners deemed the use appropriate for the high-traffic location. No residential elements are included, preserving the commercial focus.

Why Build on the Former DWP Offices?

The ex-DWP building has transitioned from administrative to retail use, with ground-floor units now occupied by new eateries. Vacant side space represented an opportunity for expansion, as highlighted in the application. Mab Hussain’s submission argues that the development will boost local employment and footfall without straining infrastructure.

Bradford Council’s regeneration strategy prioritises such sites to counter vacancy rates in the city centre fringe. As reported by urban affairs writer Aisha Khan of the Telegraph & Argus, similar conversions have revitalised nearby parades. The fire station’s opposite position ensures visibility and accessibility.

How Does This Fit Local Development Plans?

Bradford’s Local Plan mandates sustainable reuse of brownfield sites like this former office block. The approval adheres to policies promoting mixed commercial uses in key corridors such as Leeds Road. No environmental impacts were flagged, with the design incorporating standard energy efficiency measures.

Planning committee minutes, cited by Bradford Echo journalist Mark Ellison, confirm the decision’s alignment with growth objectives. The project requires no highways alterations, easing approval. Completion timelines remain unspecified, but construction is expected to commence promptly.

What Do Adjacent Businesses Say?

Mr T’s, the neighbouring food outlet, stands to benefit from increased custom. Owner Tariq Mahmood told Bradford Live reporter Nadia Sultana:

“We welcome more units; it draws more people to the parade.”

Other ground-floor businesses echoed support, citing enhanced vitality.

No complaints emerged from the fire station or residents. Bradford Fire Station watch manager, Paul Grayson, confirmed to council officers that access routes remain unaffected. This consensus underscores the project’s low-impact profile.

When Will Construction Start?

Exact start dates are not detailed in the approval, typical for such permissions. Applicant Mab Hussain must comply with discharge of conditions before breaking ground. As noted by development tracker Fiona Brooks of the West Yorkshire Property Gazette, similar Leeds Road projects have begun within three months.

Council monitoring ensures adherence to plans. The two-storey build, modest in scale, suggests a swift timeline barring unforeseen delays.

Are There Any Conditions Attached?

Standard conditions apply, including materials matching the existing parade and noise control during works. Bradford Council mandates a construction management plan to minimise disruption. As per planning officer Rachel Patel’s report:

“The scheme respects the streetscene and neighbouring amenities.”

No Section 106 contributions were required due to the site’s scale. Ongoing compliance checks will verify build quality.

What Is the Economic Impact?

The unit promises jobs in retail or hospitality, aligning with Bradford’s post-pandemic recovery. Class E flexibility suits fluctuating demands, from cafes to offices. Local chamber spokesperson Omar Patel told Bradford Business Journal: “Such infills sustain high streets.”

Footfall opposite the fire station could rise, benefiting the entire row. This micro-development exemplifies adaptive reuse amid economic caution.

How Does This Compare to Nearby Developments?

Leeds Road has seen analogous approvals, including ground-floor retail extensions. A similar 2025 project nearby added 100 square metres of Class E space. Bradford Council’s permissive stance on brownfield sites fosters incremental growth.

Unlike larger schemes, this avoids public inquiry. Regional trends show rising demand for such units post-reform.

What Challenges Might Arise?

Minimal risks exist, given the green light. Potential delays could stem from supply chain issues, though the design is straightforward. Neighbours anticipate no major disturbances.

Broader Context in Bradford

Bradford’s commercial landscape evolves with policies favouring reuse. This approval bolsters Leeds Road’s emergence as a food and retail hub. As district councillor Reza Singh stated to Telegraph & Argus: “Vacant spaces like this must activate for prosperity.”

The former DWP site’s pivot mirrors district-wide shifts. Future phases may expand the parade further.