Plans for a new shop in Shipley have been thrown out after councillors branded it worthy of an "ugly building of the year" award.

The developer had wanted to build a large new store in Otley Road in Shipley town centre, and submitted plans for a modern artificial stone and glass design.

But, despite a recommendation by Council planning officers that permission be granted, members of the Shipley Area Planning Panel yesterday told the architects to "go back to the drawing board".

They agreed that the materials and design of the building were unsuitable for the location, next to a Victorian building which now houses a bank.

Councillor Phillip Thornton (Lab, Shipley East) said the applicants, Ilkley-based Mitre Estates, needed to think again about the design.

"I welcome the development of this site which is an eyesore at the moment but not at any cost," he said. "I can imagine the situation if we say yes to this development. In a few years, people will be asking who gave permission for that monstrosity in the middle of all those Victorian buildings. I would like to see a different design which is sympathetic to the bank and other nearby buildings."

Panel member Councillor Lynne Joyce (Lab, Keighley South) branded the design "awful" and unsuitable for the location.

She said: "Frankly, I think the design is dreadful and I think we should send it back and tell them to try again."

The plans were for a single shop unit between Bank Street and Otley Road, which would subsequently be sold-off to a retailer.

Part of the development would have involved the demolition of a 1960s building which houses a charity shop in Kirkgate.

Councillors stressed that they did not object to the type of development which was deemed "entirely appropriate" to the site, and would help to regenerate the town centre, and deferred a decision on the application.

Mitre Estates Limited was asked to produce a design which includes more stonework and less glass. No-one at the company was available for comment.