A PLAN to build a new low-cost discount supermarket in Skipton is to be recommended for refusal by Craven District Council's planning officers.

Lidl Foodstores, which has around 5,500 stores across Europe, has put in the application to build a 1,342 square metre supermarket with 86 car spaces on Keighley Road.

If approved, the development will create between 25 and 30 jobs for local people at the site.

A Lidl spokesman said: "The local economy will therefore gain extra employment through the development of currently unused land."

The new store would be built on a site that is currently used as an overspill car park by Skipton Ford.

But Craven District Council's planning officer for Skipton Roger France said: "We will be recommending refusal of the application as it would harm the town centre to have an out of town foodstore. It is contrary to all Government and planning policies."

Mr France explained that the application would encourage people to use their cars and stay out of the town centre.

The application will go before Craven District Council's planning committee on Monday September 20.