PLANS by supermarket giant Morrisons to build a convenience store on a vacant site in Clayton, Bradford, have met opposition from traders and residents.

The Bradford-based firm has proposed to build a M Local store to the west of 67 Bradford Road.

But traders have taken action and have gathered more than 1,000 signatures on a series of petitions which have been submitted to Bradford Council planning chiefs.

They also fear an increase in existing traffic problems on Bradford Road, as the proposed development is opposite St Anthony's Church and Primary School.

The application is for a single-storey 408 sq ft store, installation of an ATM machine and dedicated parking area for service vehicles.

The planning application document says there are 19 commercial units located within one kilometre of the proposed site, including a bookmakers and pub. There is also a Co-op supermarket on Bradford Road.

The proposal also features a car park with 18 spaces, including two disabled bays and would see the creation of 20 jobs.

Plans for four semi-detached houses and six townhouses on the site were approved in 2011 but the outline application period has now expired without the homes being built.

A Morrisons spokesman said: “We think Morrisons M local will bring something different to Clayton and believe there is room for everyone.

"As well as giving shoppers more choice, we believe the extra footfall generated should benefit everyone.”

But the plans have been met with some opposition from nearby residents and shopkeepers.

Sumitra Mistry, owner of Hunters Park Newsmarket off-licence, also in Bradford Road, said: "I already have 800 signatures on the petition in my shop and have gone round the other shops near-by too.

"I don't think it's a good idea for that store to be opened up here. Clayton already has a supermarket and has lots of shops there, they are all going to be impacted.

"I fear that whatever we have been building up for the last 30 years here, will be wiped out.

"Bradford Road already has traffic problems. It's going to be built on a brow of a hill

"This will impact me hugely. It's going to end up with a lot of shops here shutting."

The deadline for residents to have their say over the plans is tomorrow.

Councillor Sinead Engel (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) said: "The traffic on Bradford Road is legendary.

"The store is not appropriate at that locality in this village.

"It could kill local businesses. They are an integral part of the village. They get involved in community activities."

The planning statement, submitted by England and Lyle Chartered Town Planners, concludes: "The application site has stood vacant for a number of years after the demolition of terraced properties that previously occupied the site.

"It is evident that the application proposals would provide a number of clear social, economic and environmental benefits and would therefore constitute a sustainable form of development.

"The store will provide day-to-day 'top-up' shopping facilities to meet the needs of residents in the immediate vicinity."