A plan to turn an Addingham butcher’s into flats has been rejected – to protect the village high street.

Bradford Council refused the application by J Dixon and Sons to turn the shop in Main Street into two flats.

Planning officials said even if the butcher’s closed, it was important it remained a shop.

Their report said: “The village is characterised by the traditional retail centre at its heart and this is an integral part of the character of the conservation area.

“Retail units should be retained to preserve this character and to help prevent Addingham losing its village identity and becoming a dormitory settlement.

“The loss of this unit would threaten the retail and other commercial activity in the village, with wider implications for its character and vitality.”