A decision to grant Morrisons the right to build a new supermarket in Shipley has been welcomed by opposition councillors at Bradford Council.

The Bradford-based supermarket giant won a three-way battle to build a superstore in the town. The plan includes a petrol station, business units and 101 homes off Crag Road, which will be called Shipley Exchange.

The decision was made by the Council’s regulatory and appeals committee last Friday, but must still be ratified by the Government.

The Conservative Group has now welcomed the committee’s decision. Councillor Simon Cooke, deputy leader of the Conservative group and spokesman for planning, said: “Whilst the three different proposals for new supermarkets all had their merits, I am firmly of the view that the Morrisons proposal will meet the needs of local residents and the local economy.

“The range of benefits provided by the scheme are impressive. Nearly 600 new jobs, highway improvements, new homes and environmental improvements, to name but a few, will greatly benefit local people.

“The decision being taken was one key to the future economic prosperity of Shipley and I am delighted that the elected members serving on the regulatory and appeals committee clearly looked at the three applications in detail and took the time to deliberate them properly, allowing common sense to prevail.”

Councillor Glen Miller, leader of the Conservatives and regeneration spokesman, said: “I do hope that now the decision has been unanimously taken by the councillors, the Council and Morrisons will work closely to make sure that the scheme is successfully delivered.

“I do not doubt that the Council and a local company as important to the area as Morrisons will be able to do this.”