Plan to convert pub into ice cream factory

A pub in Bradford could be converted into an ice cream factory if plans are approved in the new year.

S&R Dairy has applied to convert the former Mill Lane pub, saying there was not enough competition in the country's Asian ice cream market.

The pub, which was previously a Royal Air Force Association building, once had a classic car installed on its roof.

The pub is located between Manchester Road and Wakefield Road and has been vacant for about four years.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the planning application says: "There are only two Asian ice manufacturers nationally. There is not enough competition nationally and locally."

It adds that the property has been vacant for some time and "was previously a public house with mixed success".

The application said the pub had closed due to "lower footfall and was not financially viable", and had been marketed since but there had been "no takers".

"It would be good sense and financial management to have a new employer creating work for eight full-time employees within the Bradford area, and also for local suppliers," it added.

A decision on the application by Bradford Council is expected in early 2026.

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