A convenience store has set its sights on a former carpet showroom in Burley-in-Wharfedale following an unsuccessful attempt to move into the village library.

The Co-operative Food has submitted plans to Bradford Council to open a new convenience store of around 2,000sqft in the former Otley Carpet Mills premises, on Main Street. It would replace the existing Co-operative Food on Station Road.

The Co-op previously came up with a novel plan to build a first- floor extension to the Bradford Council-owned library, on Grange Road, and move its store into the ground floor.

But the plan met with strong opposition from villagers, and concerns from local traders that a bigger convenience store with an expanded range of goods could force them out of business.

The library plan was rejected by Bradford Council planners, and a subsequent appeal was dismissed by a planning inspector. The Co-operative Food chain says it hopes to open its new Main Street store towards the end of the year, subject to planning permission being granted, and completing the necessary building work to fit out the premises.

The building is around one-and-a-half times the size of the Station Road store, and the chain plans to offer an increased range of goods to customers. All staff would transfer to the new store.

Acquisitions manager for The Co-operative Food Tim Hanser said: “The Co-operative is proud of its record of operating at the heart of many communities and is committed to improving its shopping experience for customers where possible. The current store on Station Road is constrained, with no room for expansion, so we have been looking at alternative sites to improve and expand our offering in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

“The investment would bring a modern, brighter store and improved range and service, ensuring a more pleasant shopping experience for people picking up their groceries. We know how important having a convenient, great food store is to Burley-in-Wharfedale residents, and we look forward to fulfilling the community’s daily food shopping needs and, in the best traditions of The Co-operative, make our contribution to local life.”