Planning permission has been granted for the long-awaited Broadway shopping centre development in Bradford, amid calls for Westfield to confirm when it will begin work on the key site.

Detailed plans for the first phase of the £275 million revised plans were approved unanimously by Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee yesterday.

Members also agreed to outline plans for offices and apartments, the details of which must be finalised within seven years.

After the meeting, Westfield said the decision would add a “further layer of confidence” for retailers interested in signing up for shops in the scheme.

The complex is for 75 shops, cafes and restaurants with car parking and is expected to create 2,500 retail jobs with another 1,500 jobs during its construction. It also includes 1,345 car parking spaces over three levels.

Councillors at the meeting praised the scheme and asked for a commitment for the jobs to go to local people.

Councillor Sajawal Hussain (Lab, City) said: “The sooner this development takes place the better.”

Councillor Shabir Hussain (Lab, Manningham) said: “I look forward to this project going ahead. I can assure Westfield it’s something they won’t regret. It will prosper.”

Councillor Valerie Binney (Con, Thornton and Allerton) added: “We have been waiting patiently all this time. It can’t come too soon. I thank Westfield for not deserting us.”

Committee chairman Councillor David Warburton (Lab, Wyke) ended by saying: “It’s a great opportunity for Bradford. We have waited a long time and we look forward to this being built. This will bring a vibrant Bradford back to life.”

The committee heard how no financial contributions were being sought in relation to the residential side of the scheme due to the project’s economic viability.

They were also told that the Council was working hard to mitigate any effect to retailers at the top of the city centre when the Westfield Bradford development opens. It is hoped that despite some retailers expected to move from Darley Street into the new centre, the total footfall will increase in the city centre as people, who do not currently shop in Bradford, return.

The Council’s executive member with responsibility for regeneration, Councillor David Green said: “I am delighted that this hurdle has been cleared and we will continue to work closely with Westfield in an effort to get them on site as soon as possible to bring this important regeneration project to fulfilment as quickly as possible.”

A Westfield spokesman said: “We are very pleased with the decision by Bradford Council to grant detailed planning consent for our Broadway retail development.

“This positive step underlines the commitment and vision of the Council for regeneration in the City.”