A landmark Shipley building could be transformed into a pub through a £1.5 million re-vamp.

JD Wetherspoons wants to convert the Clothing World store on the corner of Market Square and Kirkgate into a pub - a venture it says will create 30 new jobs.

Planning permission already exists to use the building, formerly occupied by Sunwin House, as a pub and JD Wetherspoons' application for a license is due to be heard by Bingley magistrates on Wednesday

The Watford-based company's current town centre pub, The Sun Hotel, which it opened in October 1998 and is just a stone's throw from Clothing World and The Cricketers pub on Kirkgate - was put up for sale earlier this year but has not yet been sold.

A company spokesman said: "We've purchased the property subject to obtaining a licence and if that is successful we plan to start work in September and would hope to have the pub open in time for Christmas.

"The Sun Hotel does very well but we've always wanted to expand in Shipley and haven't been able to do so at those premises. This will give us a pub that's about double the size. It will be bigger and better.''

Councillor John Carroll (Con, Shipley West), chairman of the Shipley Town Centre Development Partnership, said: "Provided they're all run properly, having three pubs close together shouldn't be a problem.

"But I am torn - we've already got two town centre pubs so do we need a third? But planning permission's already been granted and I'd rather see something done with the premises than have them end up empty again. If it's anything like the Myrtle Grove in Bingley, or the Sir Titus Salt in Bradford, it will be a very popular venue that will bring more trade into Shipley.''

Walter Nelson, who runs the Shipley Pride pub and is chairman of the Shipley and District Licensees Association (SADLA), said: "I think we've probably got enough pubs in the town centre already and having three in close proximity could cause some trouble.''

John Kelly, licensee of The Cricketers, opposite Clothing World, said: "If Wetherspoons are willing to spend all that money it's going to bring more people into the town which has got to be better for Shipley.

"The effect on me will depend on how it's actually run and whether the emphasis is on food or cut-price beer.''

Clothing World owner Manzoor Bahadur said they were willing to move out if JD Wetherspoons was given a licence, but stressed that the company's other shop at Sticker Lane, Bradford, would definitely be staying open.