Asda is going ahead with plans to open a store in Keighley, despite opposition from businesses in the town.

The supermarket giant has lodged an appeal to its planning application submitted in 2001 on grounds of non-determination.

The latest move follows last week's poll of businesses carried out by Keighley and District Chamber of Trade, which showed 85 per cent of firms asked were opposed to another supermarket in Keighley.

Representatives from Asda were due to outline their latest plans at the Keighley Town Council meeting last Thursday, but were unable to attend and sent a statement instead.

It stated: "There has been some speculation in the Press recently regarding Asda's plans for a new store in Keighley. This update note is for the Keighley Town Council. The news is that today, Asda is lodging an appeal on grounds of non-determination on its planning application submitted in March 2001. Asda remains wholly committed to bringing a store to the Peter Black site, in Keighley.

"We are continually looking at new options and solutions, and in this respect Keighley is no exception. We have some fresh ideas and will consult the town council as a matter of priority."

The statement highlighted the public support the £25 million scheme had received -- including 260 letters, and 1,700 people returning reply cards expressing support. The statement added: "Can Keighley support another supermarket?

"Asda is not in the business, nor the habit, of making multi-million pound investments only to see them fail for lack of trade. Asda has been looking for a site in Keighley for over a decade.

"It believes wholeheartedly in Keighley. We are convinced that the net effect of a store here is beneficial."

A debate at the council meeting -- which included representatives from both the Airedale Shopping Centre and Keighley Market -- was abandoned because no-one from Asda was present.

Asda made a planning application for a 40,000 sq ft store in Bradford Street, in March 2001, and believes it will create 400 jobs. The plans were amended last November and could be considered early this year. Keighley Town Council is backing the proposal.

Bradford Council said: "The application has not been determined since it was first submitted. It was agreed with Asda that the application would be put on hold until it had made representations at the Unitary Development Plan inquiry.

"Following that it submitted amendments to the original application and the council is waiting for further information from Asda.

"The council awaits formal notification of an appeal and the planning application will be considered by the Keighley Area Planning Panel in due course."