Developers are making a fresh attempt to get approval for a multi-million pound shopping development which would bring a jobs boost to the district.

They want permission for a DIY superstore and garden centre on a prime site bordered by Valley Road, Hamm Strasse, Canal Road and Holdsworth Street.

It would mean the demolition of Furniture City - which currently occupies the site - and the company would pull out of Bradford if the scheme went ahead.

Bradford area planning panel rejected an application for a food superstore on the site two years ago by Miller Northern Developments and Magellan Estates because members believed it would damage trade in the city centre.

Morrisons strongly objected to the previous application, claiming it would hit its Girlington store.

Planning officers will recommend members of Bradford area planning panel support the scheme for the DIY store, proposed by the same developers at their meeting tomorrow. There is no food element in the scheme.

A report from officer Mick Parr, which will go to the meeting, says it will increase the shopping the city centre has to offer and, because of its position, will encourage people to use trains or buses.

Councillors will be told the development, which would include a 380-space car park and new access, is expected to create about 170 jobs.

But Jeff Frankel, chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group, said he could see no benefits to city centre traders from the scheme.

He said: "This sort of development is self-contained. It does not bring people into the city."

The planning application would have to be referred to the Government for approval because the land is not earmarked for shopping in the district's existing Unitary Development Planning blueprint.

The Council is recommending it should be included for shopping in the new UDP which is due to go to a public inquiry later this year, however.

Members will be told no objections have been received to the application and say there is no evidence to suggest it would put projects to improve shopping in the city, town and district centres at risk.

No comment was available from Miller Northern Developments or Magellan Estates.