PLANS to flatten a derelict crisp factory to make way for a new supermarket could be approved next week.

Budget retailer Aldi hopes to transform the former Seabrook crisp factory site, in Allerton, into a new 1,550 sq m store, but the idea has had a mixed reception in the local area.

The site in Allerton Road has been vacant since 2004 and suffered a major blaze last May, which destroyed the third floor and roof of the derelict building.

Aldi said its plans for the new store would create 40 jobs and bring about the "much needed rejuvenation" of the site.

And Seabrook, which would prepare the land for development as part of the deal, said it would be a positive result for the community, as the factory had become an eyesore thanks to "persistent vandalism and arson attacks".

But the plan has drawn 14 objections, many from other firms concerned at the impact the new shop would have on local businesses in Allerton.

This includes the Co-Operative and Morrisons, as well as local firms Paper Works, More Reasons, J&H Local, and Cottingley Bridge Stores.

The Co-Operative group said it feared the new store would lead to trade at its shop in Allerton Road falling by 16 per cent and trade at its Chellow Dene shop dropping by 12 per cent.

Its statement says: "This is a significant impact on these stores which are already significantly under-trading and may result in the store closure."

Three people have also contacted planners in support of the scheme.

A report going before a planning committee says despite claims that the shop would harm other businesses and local village or town centres, an assessment of the local retail situation showed it "will not have a significant detrimental impact".

It also says that the applicants, Aldi, Seabrook and Rock Regeneration, had carried out a public consultation exercise before going for planning permission.

As part of this, a newsletter was sent to 1,000 households within the Allerton area, inviting comments on the plan.

Ninety-eight per cent of people responding had been in favour of the idea, with just two per cent opposed to it, the report says.

The plan is recommended for approval at the next meeting of the Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee, on Thursday.

Planning officers have suggested the applicant should pay £33,500 towards highways improvements as part of the planning permission deal, which would pay for a new zebra crossing, the moving of a bus stop and the installation of a bus shelter with real-time displays, among other things.

Aldi, which has local stores in Bradford, Shipley and Keighley, has pledged to create 35,000 new jobs in the UK as it strives for an estate of 1,000 stores by 2022.