NEW Lidl and Home Bargains stores could be on their way to a busy retail park as a decision on the plans is due next week.
The proposals on land at Birstall Retail Park off the M62 would still need to be referred to the Secretary of State for the final sign-off due to their size and out-of-centre location.
A fresh report to the committee outlines how an additional appraisal of retail policy issues has been carried out.
It concludes that: "The wider offer at Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike town centres in particular but also Birstall and Batley centres, would not be subject to a significant adverse impact, as the centres would retain the same important role and function in meeting day to day retail and service needs."
The site itself was previously home to office buildings, which were demolished several years ago, and it now stands empty.
It is bordered by the Showcase Cinema de Lux, as well as a number of eateries and Smyths Toys.
The application by Lidl is for two separate retail units, a 2,231m2 building for a Lidl supermarket and a 2,280m2 building to create a Home Bargains store. Together, the stores are expected to create 75 full time equivalent jobs.
The plans also include 174 parking spaces.
A total of three objections were received by the Council raising concerns about the development exacerbating existing traffic issues and air pollution, as well as the objection on behalf of Tesco.
Outline planning permission was previously granted for four retail units on the site, with the Lidl and Home Bargains plans around a third smaller in terms of floor space.
If the planning bid is successful, a section 106 agreement would need to be signed, to include a number of planning obligations.
These include a contribution of £160,000 to off-site highways works, which would fund a new pedestrian light-controlled crossing on Gelderd Road, and pedestrian crossing points near the site.
Other contributions include £38,180 towards biodiversity enhancement and a £10,000 travel plan monitoring fee.
Additional trees would also be planted along the edge of the car park and a native hedgerow along the south-eastern boundary to soften the appearance of this part of the site.
The meeting takes place on Thursday, March 24.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here