COMMUNITY leaders have voiced their delight after a £10 million retail development – with a new supermarket at its heart – was given the go-ahead.

Discount store giant Aldi has received the green light for a scheme that will transform the long-derelict site in East Parade, Keighley.

The company will build a new, bigger supermarket to replace its existing outlet in nearby Gresley Road.

Plus there will be another large retail store, drive-through coffee shop and three smaller shops on the same site.

Work is due to start shortly and the development is scheduled for completion next year.

The plans first went before Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee in November, but concerns were voiced over the design. Members deferred a decision so that Aldi could consult with planning officers and revise its proposals.

Now the amended scheme has received the seal of approval, with committee members hailing it as an initiative that could “invigorate” the town centre.

Aldi redesigned the plans so the drive-through coffee shop will no longer back onto East Parade – instead three smaller shops will have frontages on the street.

More public space is included, with better pedestrian links to East Parade and Coney Lane. And there will be a pedestrian traffic-light crossing in East Parade.

Planning officer Stewart Currie told the meeting: “Looking at the revised plans, we consider they address the concerns raised. There is a better response to how this scheme will fit in to this part of the town centre and it is now something that will be positive for Keighley.”

Afterwards, Aldi said the approval was testament to the “hard work” of its team and the council.

A spokesman added: “We have worked together closely since the planning application was submitted in January last year.

“Our proposals represent significant investment and will safeguard and create local jobs, which is particularly welcome given the current difficult environment and the many challenges faced by the retail sector.

“The existing Aldi store is too small to meet the modern operator requirements of Keighley and the experience customers now expect. This much-needed redevelopment will improve the range and choice of the retail offer within this area and improve its visual appearance, bringing a vacant site back into active use.”

Keighley MP Robbie Moore welcomed the go-ahead.

“This site has been derelict for years and it’s about time that it was brought back into use for the benefit of Keighley,” he said. “It’s developments like this which we need to bring other larger stores back to our town.”

Town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale, says the development will help regenerate that area of Keighley and increase footfall.

“I’m delighted for the people of Keighley that it has been approved,” he added.

Paul Howard, manager of Keighley Business Improvement District, said the decision was “great news”.

He added: “It is clear that the public wants and needs a new and improved Aldi. And to transform a vacant and unsightly space into something functional, with an economic benefit, is a great result for both Keighley and Aldi.

“The supermarket company has been rolling-out these new-format stores across the country – they are bigger, brighter and easier to navigate.”

Keighley Central councillor Khadim Hussain says the scheme is good for the town.

“It is a very positive move,” he added.

“The scheme will bring a derelict site back into use, create job opportunities and attract more people into the town.”

And Councillor Zafar Ali, who also represents Keighley Central ward on Bradford Council, said: “I commend Aldi and the council for working together to bring this development to fruition.

“It will create many benefits – for shoppers, the economy, employment and the environment.”