ELECTRIC charging points are to be introduced at Booths in Ilkley after a successful application for planning permission.

Four rapid electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in the car park following approval from Bradford Council.

The supermarket chain is hoping to roll out electric car charge points across 26 stores this year.

When the application was submitted a spokesperson said: “Responsible business practices are integral to Booths and we’re constantly striving to be a more sustainable retailer.

“Booths are aware there are a growing number of our customers who are using electric cars and the area is not currently well served in terms of charge points.

“Booths want to offer a convenient service for our customers to charge their cars whilst they shop.”

The applications was approved by Bradford Council last week.

A council report said: “The Government wants Councils to be at the forefront of an electric car revolution making it easier for drivers to make green choices. This is reflected in the National Planning Policy Framework, which states that development should be designed to enable charging of plug-in and other ultra-low emission vehicles in safe, accessible and convenient locations.

“This application seeks to insert four rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and associated equipment within the existing car park of the supermarket. This is acceptable in principle.

“The charging stations will be located within the existing and well established car parking area of Booths using the existing parking bays with the units located on land at the end of the parking space. The units will each have a height of 2.23metres, and will be 721.92mm wide and 412.4mm deep with associated signage.”

It added: “The development will enable the charging of plug-in vehicles in a safe, accessible and convenient location without being detrimental to the character and appearance of the neighbouring streetscene and the amenities of neighbouring occupiers.”

The application from Booths came after it was revealed West Yorkshire Combined Authority had secured £2 million of Government funding for new electric vehicle rapid charging points to be installed, including 20 in the Bradford district. The installation of the free charging points, including exclusive taxi bays, will start this year.

Every point will provide full charge in less than half an hour, and they will be free to use until October 2021. Bradford Council is providing £1.2 million of funding for the project, in a bid to make the air less polluted.