Shopping giant Morrisons will build a major shopping centre in a busy Bradford community instead of the supermarket development the company originally planned.

Work to expand the company's existing superstore in Girlington will still take place - but Morrisons have also included three large and 11 smaller shopping units in the development.

The revised scheme got a big welcome when it was given planning permission by councillors yesterday.

Planning officers said the existing superstore already provided a vital core to Girlington and had defined it as a major shopping centre for 20 years but it was one of the earliest supermarket developments.

The new scheme would make it an up-to-the-minute store with many extra facilities and attractions for shoppers.

The committee approved the amended scheme with conditions including facilities for recycling and landscaping.

Officers told the committee it would be a superior development which would give a greater variety of shops.

They said no objections had been received to the major development and the company proposed attractive materials for the superstore.

A spokesman from Morrisons said today: "We are absolutely delighted we have got planning permission and look forward to going on with the development."

The shopping centre is part of a multi-million pound project by the company at Thornton Road/Ingleby road.

A new Farmers Boy factory which will bring 250 new jobs is being built in Cemetery Road nearby.

The existing factory in Young Street is being replaced because of problems with space restrictions, access and parking provision.

The company is also contributing to multi-thousand pound road improvement schemes, including major roundabout work.

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