PLANS for a new Aldi store have been lodged which would create around 40 jobs for the area.

A planning application to bring a new Aldi to Cleckheaton has been submitted to Kirklees Council.

The scheme is on part of the former Cleckheaton Mills site on Bradford Road and would involve building a new 1,315 sq m discount foodstore.

A design and access statement accompanying the application states: "Buildings on the site are currently being demolished with the previous use primarily employment. The southern and western portion of the wider site is currently an under construction residential development.

"The proposed site access has been retained in a position as close to the existing access point as feasible while incorporating the wider access require for Aldi’s service trucks. In keeping the access in a similar location to the existing there should not be any conflicts with the existing residential street access (Thorntonville) adjacent the site."

The document adds that the site is in a prominent position along Bradford Road and is easily accessible, providing "an ideal opportunity for retail led development to serve the local expanding community of Cleckheaton".

There will be 110 car parking spaces for customers and staff.

"An Aldi store is a modest scale supermarket often fulfilling a neighbourhood shopping role as well as attracting customers from the surrounding area. Aldi’s customers generally use other shops and stores alongside Aldi in order to fulfil their grocery shopping and local service needs. Aldi is, therefore, complementary to the existing pattern of trading both in existing local/town centre shopping areas and larger out of town stores."

It adds that the single storey building has been orientated on the site to allow levels across the car park to gently slope away. In addition the warehouse element of the scheme has been located to the rear to maximise the active shop front to Bradford Road and to the car park creating a more open and inviting development.

The design aims to create a "contemporary modern style" and will "complement the nearby properties whilst also creating a crisp and sharp edition to the streetscape."

The contemporary feel will be created by using large shopfront glazing with an minimalist canopy line. Materials include silver and anthracite coloured horizontally laid cladding panels.

The existing stone wall along the front of part of the site will be retained and extended to run the full length of the eastern boundary.

People living nearby were consulted over the plans, with more than 400 responses received. According to the statement of community involvement, 95 per cent of those who responded were in favour of the proposal.

A small number, 16 responses of 4 per cent, said they were not in favour.

Positive responses included desire for an alternative in the town with more choice and cheaper prices, and the convenience of having an Aldi in town over having to travel to the current nearest branch in Batley.

The target date for a decision on the plans is September 15. People have until July 28 to have their say.