GUESTS at a new wedding venue in Bradford will be banned from setting off fireworks, a panel of Councillors have been told.

Yesterday Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee approved plans for a 800 capacity function hall on a vacant parcel of land off Dick Lane in Tyersal.

The applicants behind the scheme told members that any customers caught setting off fireworks would lose their deposits.

One Councillor, however, questioned how effective any firework ban would actually be with the enthusiastic wedding guests.

The plans, which include a car park for 300 vehicles, were fist submitted by a Mr Hussain several months ago. A report presented to the committee said the scheme had attracted 27 objections, with many opposed to the plans raising concerns about traffic.

But members were told that the parking at the site would be adequate for the venue.

Son of the applicant, Hashim Hussain, said his family had set up the Sweet Centre in Bradford in the 1960s, one of the city’s first Asian restaurants, and this was a way for them to expand in the city. He said: “We want to build on Bradford’s first class reputation for great food and great service.”

Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Lab, Bradford Moor), said: “As a councillor get calls all the time about fireworks. What assurances can you give that this won’t be a problem here?”

Mr Hussain said: “A lot of the objections about this plan mentioned fireworks too. When a client makes a booking we will make it clear that fireworks are not allowed whatsoever on our site.

“This will be backed up by the loss of their deposit if they go against our terms and conditions. If they set fireworks off, they’ll lose their deposit.”

Councillor Mohammed Amran (Lab, Heaton), said: “It is really good you’ve got a plan in place for fireworks, but you know the Asian community, that won’t work. People will set them off outside the site, or they just won’t book the venue if you don’t allow fireworks. I’m worried people won’t listen. You say you can control it, but I don’t think you can.”

He said areas like Toller Lane had seen wedding guests set off fireworks from roundabouts and in the middle of the road.

Mr Hussain said there had been very few complaints over fireworks at other functions he had run.

Councillor Simon Cooke (Cons, Bingley Rural) said: “I’m really impressed with this application. To think where we have come with some of the old wedding venues on City Road using old buildings. What we have here is an upward movement in terms of quality, which is reflecting what customers want. I imagine people are less keen to get married in a refurbished former working men’s club these days and more keen to get married in a purpose built facility.

“This makes excellent use of a piece of land that isn’t currently doing anything.”

Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Lab, Bradford Moor) said: It is refreshing to find a 300 space car park in a function hall in Bradford. We have seen when similar venues have little parking, it can cause huge problems.”

The committee unanimously approved the plans, under the condition the venue only open between 10am and midnight.