SAINSBURY'S has been told to smarten up its supermarket scheme for Otley.

The plan for a 20,000 sq ft 'community store' was welcomed by city councillors this week - but the

developers were told the scheme must improve before permission is granted.

Members of the Development Control Panel West raised a number of issues about the latest revised plans for the Bondgate site, which follow protracted negotiations between

planning officers and the developers, Litton Properties.

Councillor Phil Coyne (Lab, Otley & Wharfedale) said: "I welcome this application. It is going to be a

substantial engine for regeneration in Otley. It is a site which has been derelict for some time and there is substantial support for a Sainsbury's in the town, but the application has to be right and I have some concerns about it."

He highlighted a number of issues including the lack of a slate roof, the need to use more natural stone in the development and concerns about the frontage onto Bondgate.

Coun Coyne also said he would like Litton's plans to transform the derelict tannery building next to the site to move in tandem with the Sainsbury's application.

Former Town Councillor Coun David Pratt (Lib Dem, Headingley) added: "Otley deserves another quality supermarket, but the materials and design of the proposed building leaves much to be desired, particularly the tin roof which will be overlooked by the Chevin.

"At the moment the developers are trying to get away with something unacceptable."

Planning officers from Leeds City Council will continue their negotiations with Litton.

l Around ten extra staff are being employed at Safeways, Otley, to help in the run up to Christmas.

More than 450 people will be taken on by the supermarket chain in Yorkshire.