Up to 40 full-time jobs are to be created in Shipley after plans to build two new car showrooms got the go-ahead.

Members of the Shipley town and country planning sub-committee have granted full planning permission for the project on land next to the multi-million pound Holiday Inn Express hotel being built in Salts Mill Road.

The development will consist of two car showrooms, one near Salts Mill Road, the other nearer the canal. A total of 63 car spaces will be built on the site and trees and shrubs will be planted on the canal bank.

Councillor Phil Thornton, (Lab, Shipley East), today hailed the project as a major boost for Shipley.

He said: "This is more good news for Shipley East.

"I'm particularly pleased to see that 40 new jobs will be coming to the town. A tremendous amount of work has gone into promoting employment and regeneration here - I hope the new jobs will be recruited from the Shipley area."

The showrooms will be franchised to Vauxhall and Peugeot.

Mark Taylor, group property manager for JCT 600, which is behind the project, thanked councillors for their support.

He said: "This is the key to starting work on the project. It will be up and running and supporting the local community with jobs by September this year."

l At the meeting yesterday, councillors rubber-stamped proposals to build a giant £2 million family pub, which will create a further 45 jobs for the area.

Full planning permission has been granted for the traditional pub, which Tom Cobleigh will build on the same site as the hotel complex in Salts Mill Road.

Plans for the building include a traditional fireplace, kitchens, cellars and manager's accommodation, with space for 85 cars as well as disabled parking.

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