COUNCILLORS will today decide if Brighouse should have another supermarket.

And the application has highlighted competition between rival supermarkets hoping to open in Brighouse .

Aldi is seeking permission for a store on Birds Royd Lane.

Among those opposing the planning application are Morrisons – who do not currently have a store in the town.

The Brighouse Business Initiative (BBI) and a road safety committee have also objected.

Worthington Properties, on behalf of the German chain , are seeking planning consent to demolish existing buildings off Birds Royd Lane and build a 1369sq m store and create 90 car parking spaces.

The proposed development site includes Calderbank House, 9a Birds Royd Lane, Princess Works and Royd House.

Council papers show rival supermarket chain Morrisons have submitted an objection. It raises the possibility of their interest in developing the Sugden’s Mill site – said to be a preferable planning site.

Peacock and Smith Ltd, on behalf of WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc, said there is “evidence provided by Brighouse Business Initiative which indicates that the Younger Homes part of the Sugden’s Mill site is capable of being brought forward for a foodstore development, and indeed that a foodstore on this site is required to enable its redevelopment.

“On this basis a sequentially preferable site exists and the application should be refused on these grounds.”

Morrison’s statement adds: “The redevelopment of Sugden’s Mill , an allocated sequentially preferable site, is unlikely to come forward if the application is permitted, as a foodstore is required to make it financially viable.”

Lesley Adams, on behalf of the BBI, said that as the Aldi store would be further away from the town centre and public transport links, shoppers would be unlikely to travel by foot and it would add to traffic numbers.

The Brighouse Road Safety Committee raised concerns about congestion at the junction of Birds Royd Lane and Huddersfield Road.

If approved the store would displace current businesses operating in the area – some have planned to relocate and others are considering their futures.

Calderdale planning officers have recommended the Aldi application be approved. It will be decided from 3pm today at Halifax Town Hall.