A Silsden-based developer has scrapped plans for a new supermarket.

Novo Homes instead wants to build 62 sheltered housing-type homes with two schemes on a site in the town near the Leeds-Liverpool Canal known as Tunnicliffes yard. The properties would be targeted at those aged 55 or over.

The Anchor Housing Association is also said to be interested in joining in the development.

Novo Homes originally wanted to build a 13,000 square-foot single-storey supermarket on the site but planners rejected it because the development was in a conservation area and would not have been suitable. Planners were also concerned about access through narrow Sykes Lane.

Novo Homes agent Eileen Harrison and Silsden estate agent David Wilkinson were last night outlining their proposals to Silsden parish council's planning committee.

The land had been designated employment land under Bradford council's controversial Unitary Development Plan - its land-use blueprint - but the pair say this is an ideal opportunity to provide the only private sheltered housing accommodation in the town. They have also taken into account conservation issues when planning the development.

"Because the houses are for older people, we feel traffic would be limited," says Mrs Harrison. "They would also be built in materials in keeping with the conservation area."

Access to the new site would be between Mill Banks and Albert Square, off Keighley Road.

Scheme A - administered by Anchor Housing - would provide 30 two-bedroomed flats and semi-detached bungalows on a shared-ownership scheme.

Under Scheme B, 32 two-bedroomed flats and bungalows would be built and offered for sale. A bowling green and a warden service would also be included. Two existing buildings on the site would be developed for community use.

"We think it is the right type of housing development for Silsden," says Mr Wilkinson.

A spokesman for Anchor Housing, who have 30 years experience in housing older people, says: "Discussions are at an early stage but we have expressed an interest in the scheme."

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