Aldi plans to build a supermarket in Silsden – creating and safeguarding more than 100 jobs.

Town and district councillors have welcomed the project’s capacity to create much-needed new employment while protecting existing jobs.

A successful planning application could see up to 25 people being employed at the 1,535 square metre store itself.

And income from selling the site to Aldi would safeguard about 80 jobs at Silsden conveyor and transmission firm Habasit UK.

The company has long wanted to modernise its existing factory at Habegger House in Keighley Road in order to remain competitive.

Selling a parcel of land for the supermarket would generate cash for Habasit to carry out this much-needed regeneration.

The planning statement for the project states: "The development would allow Habasit to improve its operational efficiency, enabling it to remain in Silsden and retain its workforce.

"This can only be achieved through a significant level of investment to be realised by the sale of part of its site."

Councillor Adrian Naylor (Ind, Craven) said he was glad the Habasit project was the first Silsden supermarket proposal to reach the planning stage.

He said: "The existing factory isn't purpose-built – this plan gives them the money to refurbish the factory and rebuild it to meet current standards.

"My fear was that if there was a proposal for another site, Habasit would have to move out of Silsden."

Chris Atkinson, chairman of Silsden Town Council, said: "We need Habasit to stay in the town, there are 75 or 80 jobs there.

"We need to encourage work. We have to get employment here or we're just going to be a dormitory town."

Both councillors believe the new supermarket will benefit Silsden residents by giving them access to cheaper shopping on their doorstep.