Tesco unveil plan to build new store

The company wants to build by Black Dyke Mills, Brighouse Road, and an application has been lodged with Bradford Council.

Warehouse units would need to be demolished to make way for the store which is larger than the Tesco at Buttershaw at 5,519 square metres.

Leaflets will soon be sent to nearby residents giving them a chance to have their say on the proposals.

Shaun Edgley, of Tesco, said road improvements were planned including lights by the mills and changes at the junction with High Street. This would help access to the existing mill complex as well as the proposed store.

He said the store would create about 300 jobs and would encourage people who live there to shop in Queensbury.

"We think the market is there for Queensbury," he said. "Our research shows that 94 per cent of people in the area are not doing their main food shopping in Queensbury. We won't be putting extra traffic on the roads, just changing their direction. We would also hope to employ local people."

Planning permission is already in place for a store and retail units on the opposite side of the road next to the Royal Eastern Chinese Restaurant.

"We do not feel that is suitable for a supermarket due to its size and location. It would be hard to get a workable solution on the site," said Mr Edgley.

Queensbury councillor Stuart Hanson is opposed to the plans.

"I am not against a new supermarket being built in Queensbury, just not one of that magnitude. The plans include new traffic lights at the entrance to the mills and that along with the all the extra traffic the store will mean grid lock.

"It's going to be easier to drive round the M25 than get into Queensbury."

He said the store was "overkill". "The Buttershaw Tesco is only 10 minutes away and they already have approval for another store at Great Horton Road, so if this gets consent there could be three," he said.

Plans for the site would mean a store at the rear of the site with a cafe and filling station and car parking in front.