Although the global recession derailed its plans the first time around, supermarket giant Asda still wants to build two large shops at its Keighley site.

The company first announced its intention to build two new ‘bulky goods’ shops next to its Bingley Street store in 2009, but Bradford Council turned the application down amid fears the units would draw trade away from the town centre.

Asda decided to appeal, and convinced a planning inspector to allow the stores in 2010.

But despite the fight to get the shops approved, they were never built, and now the planning permission is about to run out.

This week Asda announced it will try to renew the permission, and said the 30,000 square metres of retail space could create at least 35 jobs. Although no businesses have been linked to the site, the bulky goods classification usually refers to furniture.

They would be built on the former George Farrar mason’s yard, now derelict and overgrown, and more car parking would accompany the two shops.

Asda’s latest submission to the council states: “The scheme will deliver the redevelopment of derelict land on the edge of the town centre, and we consider the development site can form a valuable extension to the town centre.”

Explaining why the shops have never seen the light of day, the company said: “The site has been marketed since obtaining permission, but due to the downturn in the market, particularly the bulky goods market, operators for the units have not been forthcoming.”

As with its previous application, the company says the two shops would not harm town centre trade.

But Steve Seymour, manager of the Airedale Shopping Centre and Keighley Town Centre Association chairman, said: “Any edge-of-town development is not good for the town centre – it could drive further business away.

“It is something we could support maybe in ten years’ time, but I’d want this plan delayed until things have improved. Any renewal should take in local concerns.”

Councillor Khadim Hussain, who represents the Keighley Central ward Asda is in, said there were a number of issues when the plans first went in, but he acknowledges this is just a renewal of an already approved plan.

He said: “One of the main issues is the last permission wasn’t implemented. I hope they actually build on it and not just sit on this indefinitely. We don’t want to be stuck with derelict land for so long.

“But if they do guarantee it, the additional employment will be good. Any jobs in the current climate is good for Keighley.”