Soft drinks giants Princes have been given the go-ahead for a major warehouse scheme in Bradford.

And Britain's third biggest soft drinks manufacturer will contribute thousands of pounds to safety measures on busy roads surrounding the Toftshaw Lane site.

The company says the warehouses near its existing factory will bring at least 50 jobs to Bradford.

Princes has been looking for a site since it pulled out of plans to build a national distribution centre at Cross Lane, near the A650 Drighlington bypass. Hundreds of people objected to the development on open fields near their homes.

But there were fears that the company - which employs 400 people - would take the business elsewhere if it was unable to find another site.

Its application to use a former weaving mill in Toftshaw Lane has now been approved by planning officers using delegated powers. No objections were received by Bradford Council, and the premises have also been used by Carpets International for warehousing.

Andy Murtin, managing director of Princes, said: "These moves are further evidence of our continuing commitment to Bradford and the local community.

"We are one of the city's biggest success stories and, although we are a national company with sites around the country, the majority of our employees are based at Bradford. I am delighted we will be able to bring more jobs to the city."

Ward councillors have met residents at Neighbourhood Forums to discuss the effects of the development on the area.

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