A £2.5 MILLION scheme to turn Arnold Lavers DIY store in Guiseley into a fitness club and flats has been given the green light.

The 100-year-old, Grade Two listed former tram depot at White Cross, designed by Leeds architect Sydney Kitson, will be converted into a prestigious Cannons Health Club.

Part of the former depot will also be converted into 19 flats while a later 'unattractive' extension at the back of the building will be demolished.

Arnold Lavers now intends to develop a new call-collect centre elsewhere in Guiseley.

Mark Bower, director and company secretary with the Arnold Laver Group, said: "It has always been our intention to make the best possible use of this important building and give it a new lease of life.

"We are delighted that our plans have been given the go-ahead and expect to announce full details of the site of our new development in Guiseley next week."

At Tuesday's meeting of Leeds City Council's Development Control Panel (West) members approved the scheme in principle and deferred final arrangements to the director of planning.

Concerns had been raised, including from Aireborough MP Paul Truswell, about the loss of a DIY outlet and an increase in traffic because of the 19 new homes.

Objectors also pointed out that the development should be considered along with others proposed - including the Greenwoods site and at Back Lane.

But councillors were told the area could cope with any additional traffic generated by the scheme and that there were plans to install a pedestrian crossing.

Graham Hoult, vice-chairman of the Guiseley and Menston Green Belt Action Group (GAMGBAG) said the group had not objected to the change of use but had some concerns about an increase in traffic at peak times.

The group, which had asked for the access from the site to be 'left turn only', welcomed the demolition of the rear extension.

Mr Truswell said he was disappointed with the decision and that the application needed to be taken in a wider context.

"There is mounting concern about the increasing trend for housing developments to go ahead on existing or former employment sites and there are understandable fears about the increasing pressure on local facilities and roads.

"Around 210 new homes in Guiseley are planned or have been agreed on top of the 69 being built at Silver Cross.

"Most of these were not anticipated and a line needs to be drawn at some point. There needs to be a strategic look at the area and particularly in the light of the future use of High Royds at Menston."

The fitness club, which is expected to create 50 new jobs, will feature a pool, spa, steam room and sauna and hi-tech gym. It will be open seven days a week, 7am to 10.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 8am to 10pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Cannons, which has 40 clubs across Britain and Europe, also plans two dance studios, a treatment room, a creche, lounge and bar area.

The flats, which will be spread over two floors, will feature three one-bedroom apartments and 16 two-bedroom apartments.

l Scaled down proposals to build an estate of homes off Back Lane in Guiseley will be discussed by councillors during a site visit next month.

Persimmon Homes' plan to build houses at the former Yorkshire Electricity Board depot has been reduced from more than 100 to 62 and now includes an area of public open space.

A report to Tuesday's meeting said lengthy negotiations had taken place between officers and Persimmon and that a public consultation was still in progress.

The report said Persimmon had now addressed main concerns and the revised application was likely to be recommended for approval at the panel's December meeting.