Bradford is to mount a battle against another out-of-town shopping complex.

Council chiefs fear city centre stores could be badly hit by plans for a factory shopping village boasting 46 stores.

The shops at the centre at Gannex Mill, Elland, would sell seconds and surplus stock at bargain prices.

But Bradford Council's Executive Committee is expected to oppose the proposals when it meets tomorrow because of the effect on the district's traders.

Executive transport and planning member Councillor Latif Darr said today: "I believe it would be unfair to the district and I am concerned about it."

Chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group Jeff Frankel welcomed the move to oppose it.

He said: "I think it would be detrimental and is against government policy protecting town and city centres."

An outline planning application for the development has been referred by Calderdale Council to the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions for a final decision although the committee has told the Government it wants the application to be approved.

But planning officers will tell next week's executive committee that the factory outlet is close to motorway links and easily accessible from Bradford.

They say it would be just a 20-minute drive for people living to the south of the city centre.

The Council's head of transportation and planning Alan Mainwaring has already objected to the proposed development on behalf of the Council and is asking the committee to endorse his action.

The committee has the right to go to the DETR making representations before a final decision is reached.

Eric Hudson, president of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said: "They can't go on allowing people to open out-of-town shopping centres. Sheffield was a prime example with the Meadowhall complex. They have had to spend a fortune regenerating the city centre."

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