Planners have deferred a decision on a controversial supermarket plan for Silsden.

Novo Developments is seeking permission to build a supermarket in Sykes Lane.

Council planners are set to refuse it because of its potential damage to local shops.

Chairman of Keighley area panel Councillor John Cope told a meeting: "The parish council has not had chance to comment on this and wish to do so."

A decision is expected at the next planning meeting on Thursday, February 10.

Planners agree with shopkeepers that a superstore would have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Silsden town centre.

Wendy Hill, with her husband Paul, has run Hill's Bakery in Kirkgate for 30 years.

"When we started in Silsden, Kirkgate was full of shops of all kinds - butchers, bakers, a hardware store and a wool shops - now there are just two butchers, a bakers and a grocers," she said.

"It's a struggle now - we are working harder to make ends meet than we have ever done because of the business rates and competition from supermarkets."

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