'Phat Spuds' plan for shop where PC died rejected

Plans to turn the shop where a police officer was shot dead into a hot potato takeaway have been refused.

Bradford Council rejected an application by the Phat Spuds business for 116-120 Morley Street, despite new signage having already been installed.

The building was previously home to the Universal Express travel agency where PC Sharon Beshenivsky was killed while responding to a robbery in 2005.

A memorial stone dedicated to the officer is still in place outside the shop.

Applicant R Moghul asked for permission to convert the derelict site into a restaurant in 2025, saying it "carried a stain" due to its association with PC Beshenivsky's murder.

The council has now refused both this scheme and a request for advertising consent for the signage.

The building is located in the Little Horton Lane Conservation Area, with conservation officers raising concerns about the bright orange sign featuring a cartoon potato.

Heritage officer Komal Patil said: "It is advised that any signage instead adopts heritage-appropriate colours along with clear, unobtrusive lettering and logos."

Refusing the advertising application, planning officers said the design was "poor" and that its size and colour were "further amplifying its obtrusive appearance".

On the application to convert the building into a restaurant, officers said: "It is evident from visiting the site that works have commenced before the application has been determined.

"The building is stated to have an existing Class E use with the building having many changes of use over the years with the last known use to be a travel agent.

"As both the existing and proposed uses (restaurant) fall within the same use class, Class E, a material change of use will not occur.

"Internal alterations do not amount to development requiring planning permission; however, permission is required for any external alterations.

"Limited supporting documents have been submitted with this application. The agent requested an extension of time to provide information to address consultee comments, however, no additional supporting information has been provided."

PC Beshenivsky and her colleague PC Teresa Milburn, who were both unarmed, were shot at point-blank range by one of the three men who had just carried out the raid as he emerged from the door of the Universal Express travel agency.

Seven men were eventually convicted for their roles in the robbery and the last of them to be jailed, Piran Ditta Khan, was given a life sentence for murder in 2024 after fleeing to Pakistan.

He was extradited to the UK in 2023, but died in HMP Wakefield on 21 February 2025 at the age of 76.

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