A PLAN to convert two focal shopping units in Ilkley town centre to a restaurant is causing concern about the impact on the local economy.

A ward councillor and Ilkley Parish Council's Plans Committee are among those opposing Retail Plus General Partner's plan to convert the former Dorothy Perkins shop and a neighbouring unit to a restaurant.

The company, which owns Station Plaza, submitted the planning application to Bradford Council last month.

But concerns have been expressed to the council that the number of places to eat in Ilkley is growing too rapidly - and claiming it is undermining the balance of restaurants to shops in the town centre.

Local people believe that Italian restaurant chain, Carluccio's, is looking at moving into the unit, having previously been linked to the M&Co retail unit in Station Plaza which was the subject of a similar planning applications several months ago.

However, the company has not confirmed this.

Ward councillor, Martin Smith, claims there are too many restaurants chasing too little business.

He added: "On the grounds of oversupply of restaurants to shops I object to the proposal to change from shop to a restaurant. At present there are around 49 restaurants and 19 food outlets ,coffee and tea shops. This over supply is paraphrased in the Bradford Retail Leisure study shopping analysis of May 2013. which states that the percentage of comparison goods retailers in town has a very small presence from the top 27 comparison retailers compared to other similar towns.

"It needs to be said there are around 43 restaurants and public houses serving table meals and approximately 19 food outlets and coffee and tea shops.

"Any more would show a marketed oversupply within our town - in fact more than even a visitor town could accommodate."

Ilkley Parish Council's Plans Committee recommended refusal of the plan.

"The proposal would undermine the balance of restaurants to shops in the town centre," said the Parish Council.

Ilkley Civic Society has also raised concerns about the balance of trade in the town with at least 6 new restaurants opening in the last 12/18 months

A number of residents have also objected and commented on the plan, saying they felt another clothing retailer would be a better choice for the unit.

However, another resident spoke up in support of the plan, saying it was becoming increasingly difficult to reserve a table at the local restaurants, especially on a weekend, and every eating and drinking establishment is always busy, even midweek.

The plan is expected to be determined by Bradford Council.