Controversial plans to open a new convenience store have been approved despite massive opposition from residents and councillors.

Day & Nite Stores Ltd is planning to open a shop on Bradford Road, Shipley, in May. The firm had asked Bradford Council for permission for internal alterations to the former electrical store, a new shop front and shutters, two cash point machines, entrance steps and ramp.

Members of the Council's Shipley area planning panel heard that 12 letters and a 344-name petition objecting to the plans had been received.

Two local shopkeepers have also said they will not be able to compete with the new store while residents have said it will increase traffic and create problems with parking, highway safety, noise, litter and late night disturbance.

But an officers' report to members recommended permission be granted as the retail use of the premises was already established.

Planning officer Graham Barrow said while people's concerns were understood, the plans could only be refused on the merits of the proposed structural changes as it was not a change of use application.

Following a site visit, panel members approved the plans subject to Day & Nite agreeing not to put cash points outside the store.

Speaking at the meeting Councillor John Carroll (Con, Shipley West) said: "A change of use for an adjoining newsagents to a hot food takeaway was refused on the grounds of highway safety and lack of parking. Although no change of use is proposed here surely the same concerns are equally valid.''

Jim Flood, chairman of Shipley Labour Party, said: "The phrase 'no change of use' is a legal technicality that should not stand in the way of a commonsense approach to road safety.''

David Ford, secretary of Shipley Green Party, added: "This development would detract from the nature of the area and put impossible pressure on the roads surrounding it. We are concerned the result of this application will be increased traffic, congestion and danger to safety.''

Councillor Phil Thornton (Lab, Shipley East) said the development would create a conflict between motorists and pedestrians - with customers parking on the forecourt off Bradford Road - that would not be allowed if members were considering a change of use.

Councillor John Cole (Lib Dem, Baildon) and Councillor Chris Greaves (Con, Rombalds) said they were concerned about the 24-hour disturbance that could be caused to residents by external cash point machines and said they should be put inside the shop.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.