The battle for shoppers' cash in Keighley has taken a major step forward with the news today that Asda has been given permission to build a store in the town.

The retail giant will square up to fellow chain Morrisons and Sainbury's which already have stores in the town.

A Government planning inspector agreed the 40,000 sq ft store could be built in Bradford Street, opposite Keighley Fire Station.

He rejected evidence from Bradford Council, which opposed the store, presented during an earlier eight-day planning inquiry.

Town politicians are split on the wisdom of letting Asda open a superstore even though it could provide 400 jobs. Some are also concerned about the effect the new store could have on town shops.

The inspector Harold Stephens said Asda was expected to take up to £20 million a year from other town centre shops.

He said Morrisons sold more than £65 million in convenience goods a year, twice as much as its other similar-sized stores, and Sainsbury's did not provide adequate competition.

He believed there was scope for £50 million of extra consumer spending on convenience goods in Keighley, with Asda expected to take up £32 million of this demand.

There was also scope for spending on items like clothes, home entertainment and electrical goods, which were also sold by Asda. The inspector said about £45 million was lost each year through Keighley people shopping in other towns.

The inspector said road changes on Bradford Road, accompanying the Asda project, would improve road safety and improve traffic flow into the town centre.

In his 32-page ruling Mr Stephens attached 15 conditions that Asda must meet before it opens its store.

Craven councillor Andrew Mallinson, Bradford Council's regeneration chief, said the new store's effect on Keighley's road system must be closely monitored.

He said: "If we create traffic congestion, that deters people from driving into Keighley itself. They might hop on a train to Bradford or Leeds."

Coun Mallinson said, despite original objections, local organisations must prepare to work as a partner with Asda for the good of the town.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer said she was extremely disappointed the Asda store was going ahead.

She said: "I wonder how many supermarkets a town the size of Keighley can sustain? One more could tip the balance with another going under from lack of use."

Keighley town mayor Councillor Graham Mitchell said people should be more concerned with Asda's effect on smaller businesses in Keighley.

Brian Hudson, the town council's planning chairman, said the Asda development would be welcomed by townspeople. He said: "It's good for Keighley. It will stop lots of people driving to Colne or Skipton and it will attract people from outside."

e-mail: newsdesk@bradford.newsquest.co.uk