Another bid has been launched to build a supermarket on the former Bingley Auction Mart site but opponents say the scheme would kill town centre trade.

Bradford Council opposed Thornfield Developments' previous plans for the site and the Better Bingley Campaign has vowed to fight the fresh application by the company.

If the Leeds-based development company's current outline application does get the go-ahead it will build a food store with 250-260 parking spaces and service area; a six-pump petrol filling station and new access from Keighley Road, including a traffic light junction; on the vacant 1.8 hectare site.

Thornfield estimates the development would create 200-300 jobs.

Last month the Telegraph & Argus reported how a similar application was set to be decided at a public inquiry after an appeal was lodged when the Council failed to determine the plans within eight weeks.

The Council says the town cannot support two major retail stores and that plans for a rival £11 million re-development of the Myrtle Walk precinct - approved by councillors earlier this year - must be given preference "in the interest of the vitality and viability of Bingley town centre''.

Philip Smith, chairman of the Better Bingley Campaign, said: "This wouldn't bring trade to Bingley and would starve the town centre of potential shoppers who would otherwise use the other shops after they've done their major shop.

"We're trying to cater for local people, older people and those without vehicles but this would be counter to the Government's policy of developing town centre use and less use of the car.''

Councillor Eileen Sinclair (Lab, Bingley) said: "I want to see the re-development of the Myrtle Walk shopping precinct because it's in a good position and easy for people to get to by bus.''

She added that areas such as the former auction mart site could be ideal locations for new businesses, adding: "Bearing in mind the recent job losses at Anderton's I'd like to see more areas of work being brought into this town and if it could be through office use or hi-tech industry I wouldn't be against that.''

There was no comment from Thornfield Developments.

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