MORRISONS hopes to build a new store on the controversial Buck Lane site in Baildon, which was promoted as a smart-looking science and technology park, but which some people have dubbed "The Sheds".

Bradford Council has received a planning application for a single-story Morrison's Local store on the new Baildon Business Park beside Otley Road.

But Edward Butterworth, of campaign group BRAID, said people were disappointed with how the business park was being developed.

"If you look at the original plans the Buck Lane development was going to have a hotel and a science park covered with architectural masterpieces and create 732 new science and technology jobs," Mr Butterworth said.

"Instead, we call it The Sheds. It's a case of a high watermark of ambition that has failed miserably to materialise."

Councillor Debbie Davies (Con, Baildon) said residents had complained to her about the brutal look of the buildings.

She said: "The visual impact is worse that people anticipated. a single storey shop might soften the look of it and provide a good service.

"I'm pushing hard for trees to screen the site from people living in flats opposite and Council officers have assured me they will act on that swiftly."

Baildon Business Park developer Pendle Russells said the 3,000 sq ft convenience store with 15 parking spaces was proposed for Otley Road at the entrance to the £15 million site.

Subject to planning, the four-month build could begin by September and it would serve both the local community and employees working on the business park.

Mark Taylforth, of Pendle Russells, said: “The new store will be a great addition to the business park and will provide a number of new jobs for the local area, which is one of our main aims."

The two large buildings nearing completion are for two high-tech firms with surgical equipment manufacturer Anetic Aid moving into one and precision-engineering firm Produmax into the other.

Mr Taylforth added: "Over the next few months we will see the completion of the Anetic Aid and Produmax buildings, plus the entrance road and hopefully the start of the new retail unit. Progress on site is really coming along well and we look forward to announcing more tenants and occupiers throughout the summer."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council's executive member for employment, said: "The approved plans for Baildon Business Park included an area for a small scale retail development, so I'm pleased the developer has been able to secure the Morrisons brand for this site.

"The initial outline scheme, first drafted years ago, has inevitably been refined over time. These changes have lead to a reduction in the density of development.

"However the first two businesses to open on site, Produmax Ltd and Anetic Aid Ltd, are both new to the district, bringing valuable high-end manufacturing jobs."