SEABROOK Crisps is selling its former Bradford factory site for an undisclosed sum to budget retailer Aldi which plans to build a new store and create 40 jobs.

The site in Allerton Road has been vacant since 2004 and Seabrook has been seeking viable options for its former base.

Aldi is proposing to built a1,550 sq m.store with car parking and landscape the site, subject to planning consent .

As part of the deal Seabrook would prepare the land to make it ready for development, with Aldi aiming to begin construction in spring 2015.

Jonathan Bye, Seabrook Crisps chief executive, said: “We believe we have found a fantastic solution to turn the Allerton Road site into a positive for the local community, given that the derelict factory has become an eyesore in recent years through persistent vandalism and arson attacks.

“Not only will the money invested by Aldi benefit the community and environment, the move will also allow us to further invest in our own business and strengthen Seabrook’s position as a major employer in Bradford.

“We are working closely with Aldi and Bradford Council in our efforts to get the ‘green light’ for the proposal.”

Aldi is contacting more than 3,500 residents and businesses in the area about its plans as part of a local consultation process.

Mike Clarke, Aldi regional property director, said: “For the benefit of the community as a whole, we are excited to bring much needed rejuvenation to the Allerton Road site and we have actively started to engage with residents and businesses to let them know about the new store proposal.

“Our plans will create up to 40 full and part-time retail jobs, deliver indirect jobs through services supporting the new store, and provide local construction jobs.

“We are very hopeful that we can successfully work with the Council to get approval for the project. We believe that the proposed development would be compliant with all local and national planning policy tests, particularly those related to town centre development.”

Aldi's plans have been welcomed by ward Councillor Richard Dunbar and Bradford Council leader David Green

Cllr Dunbar (Lab, Thornton and Allerton) said: "The redevelopment of this derelict site is most welcome and would complement the local shopping offer. I am very happy about the creation of new local job opportunities that this development would bring.”

Aldi which has local stores in Bradford, Shipley and Keighley and plans another in Bingley, has pledged to create 35,000 new jobs in the UK as it strives for an estate of 1,000 stores by 2022.

In its latest salvo against the major grocery chains, Aldi said it plans to invest £600 million in UK expansion – with store numbers set to more than double through the opening of 550 new outlets over the next eight years.

The company’s grocery market share now stands at 4.8 per cent following the rapid growth of discounters in the UK.