More than 600 people signed a Save Our Shops petition in response to plans to relocate a Co-operative convenience store to Burley-in-Wharfedale Library.

Hundreds of Burley residents and visitors to the village signed copies of the petition, concerned that the bigger store could pose a “serious risk” to local shops.

The petition, which called on Burley Parish Council to object to the planning application, has been forwarded to Bradford Council, which is expected to determine the plan.

The parish council has recommended Bradford refuses permission for the plan in its current form, noting concerns about design and appearance, the impact on the surrounding area, traffic and highways issues, location and the amenity of residents.

The Co-op wants to move from its cramped premises on Station Road, where the lease is about to expire, to the Bradford Council-owned Grange Road library building, with the addition of a new first floor.

The additional floor would house the library.

Co-operative Group’s regional manager, Peter Ryan, told a public consultation meeting in September he was “ashamed” of the Burley store, but explained that legal complications blocked improvements of the Station Road premises.

Although the library is not currently at risk of closure, a Bradford Council libraries boss said there was a £200,000 backlog of maintenance work, and the 1970s building was not “fit for purpose”.

Ward councillor Matt Palmer (Con, Wharfedale) has requested that the Shipley Area Planning Panel holds its meeting locally when it determines the planning application.

No committee date has been set for the decision.