SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's goes head to head with opponents of its proposed new Saltaire store when the scheme comes before Bradford planners next week.

Council officers are recommending approval because the convenience shop cannot be opposed on planning grounds, due to its retail location on a busy main road which would have no significant harm on immediate neighbours.

But ward Councillor Kevin Warnes hopes it will be defeated by "democracy and common sense" reflecting what he, and others, say is overwhelming opposition.

"Their planning application, now in its third incarnation, has triggered a storm of protest from residents concerned about the future of local shops and traffic and parking pressures," said Cllr Warnes (Green, Shipley).

"Saltaire high street is blessed with small shops including a nearby butcher, greengrocer, bakery and off-licence. "All are treasured by local residents and threatened by the arrival of yet another supermarket store in their midst.

"This is why 266 residents including myself have objected. In contrast, the application is supported by 12 people."

Cllr Warnes said that Sainsbury's own figures showed the Local store will attract far more traffic than the existing hand car wash business on the corner of Bingley Road and Grosvenor Road.

"Pedestrians will be inconvenienced by customers driving into the supermarket car park or trying to get back out on to the main road.

"Lorry deliveries will be unloaded in front of the store.

"Nearby Grosvenor Road will see and hear these extra parking and vehicle movements from early in the morning to late at night, weekends included.

"We hope that democracy and common sense prevails when this matter goes before the planning panel in Keighley."

Saltaire Village Society has carried out two different surveys which add to the weight of opposition, said its chairman, Vanessa Pilny.

"We did an email survey of our mailing list, some 250 people and 65 per cent were against the new Sainsbury's.

"We also did a door-knocking survey and the majority were also against it.

"It's traffic issues and the effect on local shops that most people are concerned about, plus the visual impact of the store when viewed upwards from Victoria Road.

"We know the car was is not a good view, but this proposed design could have been much better."

Leading local trader David Ford of Saltaire Bookshop said there was worry in the business community.

"There is a mixed view amongst traders and some, particularly those who sell foodstuffs, are concerned and have strong views about this."

Sainsbury's carried out its own street survey of over 100 people and found two thirds supported the plans.

"When we surveyed people many said they would welcome the 25 new jobs, increased shopping choice and regeneration benefits that a new Sainsbury’s Local would bring to Saltaire," a spokesman said.

"We await the outcome of the committee and will update the community in due course."

The Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel meets at Keighley town hall at 10am on Tuesday, February 16.