THE developer behind a planned retail scheme in Shipley has been urged to make certain their proposals will not harm any local otter.

Plans to build a Lidl and a drive thru Costa Coffee on the former site of Cardinal, Airedale Mills, were revealed earlier this Summer, and a planning application for the development is due to be decided in October.

The site, at the junction of Otley Road and Salts Mill Road, is currently empty after numerous buildings belonging to Cardinal were demolished.

Submitted by Morbaine, the scheme will also include space for a possible third unit on the site.

The plans have already attracted some objections - Shipley Town Council believes it will draw business from the town centre - but now a more unusual concern has been raised about the application.

The land backs onto the River Aire, and Bradford Council's Biodiversity Officer has urged the developers to do more to boost local riverside biodiversity - and make sure any otter living around the river are protected.

Refurbishment of Greengates filling station to include Otter holt and bat boxes

In their response to the application, the officer has said: "We know otter are present within the river in the vicinity of the development and there may be other riparian protected species potentially impacted by the development."

They suggest that work may need to be done to a riverside footpath as part of the scheme, and add: "This is likely to invoke further surveys or checks and potentially the construction of the development will need to be managed under a method statement/supervision of an ecologist. Otters are a European protected species under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2019 and also protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

"It is illegal to disturb, capture and kill otters or disturb or destroy any resting places. Any other species which are present may require similar protections in place.

"The landscape plan provides a hugely missed opportunity to improve the river environment and incorporate, habitats, native species, and features for wildlife.

"We advise on the need to provide a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan with suitable enhancements included."

The Environment Agency has also raised concerns about the plan.

The area around the River Aire was one of the worst hit by the Boxing Day floods of 2015, and the Agency says there needs to be a details flood risk assessment for the plans before they are able to offer their support to the development.

Applicants Morbaine told the Telegraph & Argus that they would listen to any comments raised during the application process and work with the Council to"address those comments as the process moves forward."