A LAP dancing bar in Pontefract cannot continue trading after retrospective plans to change the building's use were thrown out.

Heaven, on Beastfair, opened for business last December after a 100,000 revamp of the grade II listed building.

An application to change the use of the former wine bar was rejected by Wakefield Council's planning and highways committee last Thursday despite being recommended for approval subject to a "suitable" shop front and entrance being installed.

Concerns that a lap dancing bar was inappropriate for a shopping area and the building had been painted a bright purple and blue colour, out of character with the street, were raised.

Coun David Hopkins said: "This is a shopping area, not a side street. One can easily expect to see a restaurant as it fits in with that sort of street scene. This is totally different – it's advertised as a lap dancing club.

"To have it somewhere where families are, I think is totally wrong. If it was a wine bar it should be open and inviting, this is closed and restricted."

Reports to planners said the building's unauthorised change of use had removed its glazed shop front in favour of an enclosed wooden front to cover a stage from view, harming the town centre, listed building itself and conservation area enough to "justify a refusal."

Seven objections were made about work being carried out without consent, a lap dancing bar attracting the wrong type into town and it was "inappropriate" in a market town's conservation area.

All three Pontefract North councillors, Philip Thomas, Pat Garbutt and Clive Tennant, objected and the latter two requested a public hearing.

The owners will also be made to return the front of the building back to its original state.

A planning officer told the Express Heaven's owners – A&J Inns Ltd – could appeal the decision but could not open the premises for lap dancing without change of use permission.