MULTI-million pound plans for a new supermarket in Keighley will be submitted to Bradford Council this month.

Aldi is seeking to build the store on the long-vacant site in East Parade.

Outline permission will also be sought for another retail unit, plus a drive-thru restaurant, on the land.

Aldi said it had received “hundreds of positive responses” to a public consultation over its proposals.

Letters were sent to around 4,000 residents in the area outlining the plan and seeking feedback.

And a drop-in event has been held at Keighley Civic Centre.

“Many people have told us that the new store is a great idea,” said a company spokesman.

“Thanks go to those who took the time to attend our drop-in event on what was a particularly wet and windy evening.

“The proposed store would create a vibrant location for shoppers, helping to anchor this town-centre expansion area and providing an important facility for residents and visitors to Keighley.

“We hope people will continue to engage with us.”

Aldi says its new store would be bigger – by at least 400 square metres – than the existing Gresley Road supermarket, which would close and be put on the market.

The 30-or-so staff at the present site will be given the chance to transfer and some new jobs will be created.

According to the company, local contractors and labour would be used during the construction phase.

The store would have 145 parking spaces – including some parent/child bays and eight allocated for disabled motorists – secure parking for cycles and motorbikes, and electric-vehicle charging points.

Vehicular access to the supermarket will be via Gresley Road.

Discussions are currently ongoing regarding proposed occupants of the other units.

Aldi says the development will “breathe new life” into that area of the town and “help sustain Keighley’s prosperity and growth for years to come”.

It adds that due to the “modest” size of its stores, they complement rather than compete with other businesses.

Keighley’s town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale, said this week he welcomed the plans.

“I’m impressed with what I’ve seen,” he said.

“Aldi is also hoping to plant some trees and ‘green up’ the site, which is good.

“It’s not known at the moment who will be occupying the other retail unit and the drive-thru.

“That East Parade site has been vacant for years and it looks awful so I’m pleased that something is being done with it at last.

“For anyone driving past, the site as it is at the moment doesn’t give a good impression of the town at all.

“Something needs to be done and this scheme can only be for the good. It will help regenerate that area.”