A councillor has formally objected to supermarket chain Tesco’s applications for the renewal of permission for a bigger new store in Ilkley.

Councillor Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley) has told Bradford Council planning officers the valley is now “over shopped” with numerous supermarkets and convenience stores in Ilkley, Otley and nearby villages.

Coun Smith has asked for the application to go before a planning panel.

“The initial retail study is therefore null and void and the Government require the stabilising of central shopping centres and this will devastate the local traders,” said Coun Smith.

He called for the redevelopment of the existing Springs Lane store as an alternative.

Meanwhile, former chairman of Ilkley Design Statement Group, Wilfred Shaw, is also asking the Council to reject the renewal of planning permission.

He claims the town could be deprived of employment opportunities on the Railway Road and Mayfield Road plot, and there is no realistic prospect of new office buildings – proposed for the Springs Lane site.

“Clearly the Springs Lane site will not be cleared and redveloped until the new store has been constructed and is on operation on Railway Road,” said Mr Shaw.

He told the Gazette he thinks there is a “good chance” planning permission could be refused.

The plans are pending consideration by Council.

Tesco submitted additional details late last week to comply with conditions of the previously-granted approval.