A century-old Bradford firm is locked in a David and Goliath battle with developers who want to build a giant B&Q superstore.

Plans by Alfred McAlpine Projects and Lattice Property Holders to develop part of builders' merchant Uriah Woodhead's site off Canal Road have been recommended for approval by Bradford Area Planning Panel.

Today Uriah Woodhead managing director, John Walker, said he had no plans to sell the site between Canal Road and Valley Road, Bradford, and condemned the companies' "arrogance" in drawing up plans for a site they did not own.

The developers' plans involve demolishing one of Uriah Woodhead's depots to make way for B&Q Warehouse. Their planning application states that it would provide a new headquarters for the Bradford company as part of the deal.

But Mr Walker said Uriah Woodhead, which was formed 135 years ago, had its own £500,000 development plans for the site after negotiations to sell it broke down last year.

And he said he was staggered that the developers were able to apply for planning permission on a site it did not own.

He said: "We find this sort of action to be destructive, not good for our publicity nor good for staff morale.

"Some of the staff have been with us for many years and are most valued.

"We are an old, established Bradford company but are very young at heart and do not understand the arrogance and tenacity of some of these large corporate entities."

Mr Walker, who has been with the company 45 years, said he did not want to see the work he has done building up the business thrown away.

"We are entered the millennium having faith and background in Bradford and expect to be in business here for many years to come.

"If we sold part of the site we would not have sufficient operational room. Indeed at the moment we are totally refurbishing this depot from end to end.

"We have obtained planning permission and contractors are moving in immediately after Christmas to start on new warehousing.

"It will be the most modern and up-to-date builders and plumbers merchants for miles around - possibly in the north of England."

Tim Waring, agent for Alfred McAlpine Projects and Lattice Property Holders, was unable to comment