MAJOR plans submitted by a Bradford building firm will create more industry and employment for the area, according to an application lodged with the Council.

Uriah Woodhead, based on Canal Road, is seeking permission to demolish its current warehouse and construct a number of units on the site.

The site is currently split into two sections.

Limited supply of mid-sized industrial units in Bradford is an 'obstacle,' with demand far outstripping supply

The existing warehouse, which is on the Canal Road side, is single-storey and runs almost the entire length of the northern boundary.

The northern plot of the site is an L-shaped plot behind the Bradford Audi Garage, with access from Valley Road.

It is currently used as storage.

The application says: The applicant does not seek to downsize operations on site associated with the Uriah Woodheads building supplies merchant.

"Since outgrowing the original building site on Canal road, Uriah Woodheads have expanded and procured the full extent of the land outlined on the location plan."

It adds: "Most of this site area is now being used as storage but ultimately is underutilized."

The application says it's intended for current operations to be consolidated in the central portion of land and develop the plots which are the subject of the application as industrial units, with a retail unit at the front of the site (the Canal Road side).

"The development of the two phases within this application will generate additional employment and industry for the city of Bradford in a location which is ideally suited to such uses," it says.

In looking at the layout of the site, the application says: "The scheme seeks to ensure that a vehicular ‘rat run’ is not introduced via the unadopted ‘Beckside’ road which has, in the past connected Canal Road with Valley Road."

It says the consolidation of the current business operations has led to two distinct plots.

Phase I and II will be developed as "one single design rationale; simple and cost effective attracting tenants and investment appropriate to local land prices in Bradford".

Meanwhile, Phase III will have an 'eco edge'.

The application says: "The layout of Phase III has been considered to both make use of the existing vehicular access from Canal Road as well as work with the existing levels across the site."

It says Unit 17, at the front of the site, is intended to be retained for use by the applicant "for the purpose of showcasing and selling building materials and technology which focus on sustainable and ecological design to provide for the ‘eco-build’ market".

It says this might include, but is not restricted to, photovoltaics, passive house compliant materials, the "latest in home automation and systems designed for sustainable power and ventilation".

It adds: "It is anticipated that similar industries and businesses will occupy the units on Phase III drawing from each other and helping to promote this outlet as a draw for eco-build and development companies."

The firm, which stocks building materials, has been based in Bradford since 1866 and is run by four generations of the same family.

It also has a sister company, Nelsons of Keighley, which is based on Gresley Road.