PLANS for a multi-million pound Lidl foodstore in Keighley town centre have been welcomed by councillors and business leaders.

Discount chain Lidl has revealed proposals for a supermarket on the old Hatterleys Mill site, off Bridge Street, which would create about 30 new jobs.

Keighley Town Centre Association chairman, Steve Seymour, said: “This site has been earmarked now for a decade for this type of opportunity.

“Lidl seems to be very positive about coming to the town.

“It would offer a new brand for Keighley, as well as redeveloping a site that has been looking very unpleasant for a long time.

“It would also bring in new jobs, which is a big bonus.”

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said he also looked forward to seeing a new store on the site.

“It is excellent news on every level,” he said. “The proposed development will create significant numbers of new jobs, both during the construction phase and in-store upon completion.

“It will also be located centrally on a brownfield site, and I very much welcome the commitment to ensure the building blends in with its surrounds.

“It will increase competition and choice for local shoppers.

“Lidl has significantly enhanced its reputation for quality and value for money over recent years, and I look forward to seeing it open its doors in Keighley very soon.”

Keighley Central ward councillor, Khadim Hussain, said there will always be concerns bigger outfits like Lidl will take trade away from independent businesses.

But he said he believed overall the fact Lidl is showing an interest in Keighley is good news for the town.

“It will open up new opportunities for shoppers and I’d welcome a brownfield site being brought back into use,” he added.

“It’s good it sees this potential in Keighley and it is showing faith in the town. That’s positive news from my perspective.”

Members of the public were invited to air their views on the proposals during a consultation event on Tuesday at Keighley Civic Centre in North Street.

The 17,500 sq ft store is being proposed for a long-derelict site, which is overlooked by Keighley Shared Church.

The plans include 68 shopper car parking spaces, a new access road and landscaping.

Planning consultants Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP) are handling the consultation and planning process.

Chris Darley, planning director at NLP, said: “The proposed store has been carefully designed to help it ?t into and complement its surroundings.

“It is proposed the store will be partly built from stone, and has been designed to ensure views of Keighley Shared Church from Bridge Street are retained.”

The 68 parking spaces include proposals for two disabled and two parent and child spaces.

Access to the store for pedestrians, customer vehicles and deliveries would be provided via a new route to be created at the west of the site onto Beck Street.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to the Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley BD21 3AG.