A MAJOR development on the fringe of the Huddersfield town centre could be approved this week.

An eight-storey building with shops, a restaurant and almost 90 flats is proposed at the corner of St Andrews Road and Wakefield Road in Aspley and will be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

Wetherby-based CFK Developments want to use 465sq m for shops and 279sq m for a restaurant or cafe on the ground floor.

Some 88 one and two-bedroom flats are planned on upper floors.

The site is currently occupied by the Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Senior policy adviser Steve Leigh said the organisation was looking for a new home.

He said: “Obviously we have to move from these premises and the plan is to leave by next November (2008). We are looking at a number of options including the Media Centre.”

Mr Leigh added that the chamber and its 30 staff would be staying in the town. He said: “We plan to relocate within Huddersfield and continue to represent our members here.”

The chamber speaks for 1,400 businesses in Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Wakefield, Pontefract, Castleford, Halifax, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden.

Unveiling plans for the site in April, CFK managing director Philip Cable said: “This development is in a fantastic position close to the centre of Huddersfield with easy access to the town’s bus and rail links and the national motorway network.

“It will be one of the first prominent landmarks people see as they head into Huddersfield and will make a statement about the levels of confidence, investment and regeneration that are quickly becoming synonymous with the town.’’

Mr Cable added: “Once completed, it will become a vibrant part of the town for both businesses and residents nearby to enjoy. All the properties will be finished to a high standard.”

CFK, which was founded in 2000, has carried out housing, retail, industrial and office developments in Leeds, Halifax and Barnsley.

Councillors on Huddersfield Planning Subcommittee will visit the site tomorrow morning before deciding on the development plan in the afternoon.