Proposals which could see a former tram shed being turned into a supermarket have sparked concern about the impact on historic Saltaire.

Yorkdale Properties Ltd, which owns the Grade II-listed building in Bingley Road, Saltaire, has submitted two change-of-use applications to Bradford Council.

The Edwardian building is currently home to Toystore's Jimmy G's, housing a children's adventure play area, toy shop, cafe and offices. But a planning agreement means the amount of retail space at the site is restricted and plays second fiddle to the play area.

One of the planning applications seeks permission for general retail use - which could include a supermarket - while, if granted, the other would allow it to be used for offices and light industrial purposes.

But Bradford Council's conservation team raised concerns about the retail application while indicating support for the office/light industrial use.

In a note to a planning officer it highlights the fact that the A1 retail use applied for could include a supermarket, adding: "This is likely to generate a significant increase in the levels of traffic.

"This will have a detrimental environmental impact on the character of Saltaire village which is also a proposed World-Heritage site.''

Councillor David Ford (Green, Shipley West) said: "I share those concerns and will be objecting to the retail use on the grounds that it could give the green light to a form of development, such as a supermarket, that would be highly undesirable in that area.

"Saltaire roundabout is a nightmare at the best of times and this site's near a primary school, so I would have concerns about the amount of traffic a large retail development would encourage."

Yorkdale Properties director Sam Watt said he did not want to comment on the applications. But in a letter to the planning department the company's agent, chartered town planner Philip Coote, said: "It is important that such a prominent site, containing a listed building, remains fully utilised.

"Both the proposed uses, and perhaps more so the A1 use, would provide additional vitality to Saltaire and hopefully will be encouraged by the Council.''