SUPERMARKET giant Sains-bury's has not given up hope of one day opening a store in Otley, it has been revealed.

The upmarket supermarket chain pulled out of building a small branch in Bondgate last year after failing to satisfy Leeds planners.

At the time, Sainsbury's said it had become frustrated at the length of time it was taking to get planning permission and also blamed rising costs of the development.

But now, a spokesman for Sainsbury's says it still hopes to build a smaller 'local' store in the town.

And although he stressed there were no sites in mind, there was a long term aspiration to build in Otley.

He said: "We remain disappointed that the recent plans won't work, but one day there may be a Sainsburys in the town.

"The review of sites for new Sainsbury's goes on all the time, and there is a possibility that one day one of the smaller stores could end up in Otley."

Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that the former tannery in Gay Lane may be converted into residential flats.

The Tannery, formerly owned by Grosvenor Park Estates, was sold to Litton Properties last November.

Litton was part of the Sainsbury's application which included the conversion of the old tannery in the plans.

Paul Harriman, director of Sheffield-based Litton Prope-rties, said it was a very interesting project.

"We are looking at a number of options at the moment and are keen to get something happening. It is a very interesting project and will probably be a residential scheme."

There is an existing planning application at Leeds City Council which has been put on abeyance.

Otley Mayor, Councillor Phil Coyne said he would be very pleased to see the former tannery preserved and brought into use.

He added the neglect of the tannery was what brought him into politics in the first place.

"It is a very important landmark in the town at the entrance into Otley and it will make a significant difference if it is converted to residential use, I think it will look spectacular," he said.

Coun Coyne added it would be good news if Sainsbury's renewed its interest in the town.

l When Sainsbury's pulled out of its plans to build a 20,000 square foot store in Otley in April last year it had been more than a year after the scheme had first been submitted.