Co-op may try third bid for a new Burley store (From Wharfedale Observer)

Co-op may try third bid for a new Burley store

8:56am Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Amanda Greaves

Co-op bosses say they are committed to bringing a new, improved store to Burley-in-Wharfedale following the rejection of a second set of plans for a new convenience store.

Bradford Council planning officers last week rejected plans to extend Burley Library on Grange Road to house a Co-operative convenience store on the ground floor.

The business planned to move out of its current cramped premises in Station Road to share the library building, with the addition of an extra floor. But planners echoed previous concerns about parking and traffic on the narrow Grange Road.

The first set of plans was rejected by Bradford Council in January 2012 and a planning inspector later dismissed an appeal.

However, the Co-operative Group has not ruled out another scheme.

A spokesman said: “We are reviewing our position regarding the site in Burley-in-Wharfdale.

“It is too early to comment on future plans until we have considered all our options, but we are committed to bringing a new, improved store to the local area.” The chain has applied for permission from Bradford Council to change its hours for the sale of alcohol at its existing premises, former newsagents shop Burley in Wharfedale Village Store, in Station Road.

The licence seeks permission for the sale of alcohol between 5am and 11pm seven days a week.

Today is the final date for the receipt of public representations over the licence application.

A Co-op spokesman said the Burley store’s hours would remain 5am to 9pm, however.

“Our application to amend the premises licence by five hours will simply ensure that alcohol can be sold during all trading hours.”

The group has applied for similar licenses for other stores in the Bradford District. It recently gained permission from Bradford Council to sell alcohol from a new Addingham convenience store up until 10pm Monday to Sunday.

The chain originally applied for a licence to sell alcohol up until 11pm in Addingham.