Outline plans for a new industrial park are set for approval, despite a petition from objectors containing hundreds of names.

The scheme would see the redevelopment of the site of the former Hope Iron Works in Dick Lane, Bradford.

Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee will meet this week to consider an outline application to build 19 industrial units, one small food store, one food and drink unit with a new access and car parking on the disused brownfield site.

The committee will hear that the proposed development, put forward by Halton Homes, will provide much-needed economic benefits to the area, according to Council officers.

But the Council has also received a petition signed by 359 people who oppose the scheme.

Objectors said they would have preferred housing to be built on the site and have argued more shops in the area would have a bad impact on ones already serving the community.

They were also worried about traffic congestion, that there would not be enough parking space and insufficient room for deliveries.

There were concerns from some in the community that it might also attract youths and drug dealers.

A community consultation was carried out by the developer, but only two letters supporting the bid were received by the Council.

Those in favour said the land was currently an eyesore, that new shops might have cheaper prices and more jobs might be created.

Approval would have a number of conditions with it and there would have to be a new junction put in as well as a puffin crossing, plus £58,000 for the crossing’s upkeep over 20 years.

The developer would also have to find £7,000 to change traffic regulation orders on Dick Lane and to fund the bus stop at the front of the site being relocated and upgraded with a shelter.

A Council officer’s report said: “The redevelopment of this site with a mix of commercial uses, including a limited retail use, is considered a beneficial reuse of a redundant and visually unattractive site.”

The committee is recommended to approve the scheme when it meets at City Hall at 10am on Thursday.