Plans for a major redevelopment of the former Rentokil site on Cemetery Road in Bradford have been approved, paving the way for a mixed-use commercial scheme targeted at business and industrial occupiers.
The project, proposed by ISA Industrial Park Ltd, includes eight industrial or business units, three drive-thru restaurant or café spaces, an electric vehicle charging and filling station, and an associated convenience store. The site has been vacant for over a decade.
While end-users have not been confirmed, the developer has indicated that there is interest from several national brands across food service and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The location’s proximity to Bradford’s Outer Ring Road was cited as key to the site’s commercial viability, particularly for the drive-thru elements and the volume of vehicle traffic required.
Bradford Council granted planning permission despite objections from the public health department regarding the inclusion of multiple drive-thru units close to a nearby school. Planners classified the proposed units as restaurants with drive-thru facilities rather than takeaways, aligning with existing local policy.
The development team also addressed concerns over HGV access by committing to several highway upgrades. These include widening Northside Road, installing new signal controls at a key junction, and removing an existing pedestrian crossing to improve traffic flow.
To meet biodiversity obligations, the developer will introduce on-site landscaping, install a green roof on one building, and contribute £416,500 towards wildlife enhancement projects elsewhere in the district.
