WORK has started on Keighley's new £10 million Aldi supermarket, with equipment onsite as the long-awaited project gets underway.

But it has emerged that plans are having to be amended following the discovery of a "historic" right of way.

Aldi was originally granted planning permission for the new supermarket, being built on a long-derelict site in East Parade, three years ago.

It had stated the project would start last year, but the scheme was delayed as revisions were made to the plans.

Some preparatory work eventually began on the prime plot around eight months ago.

The development will replace the company's smaller, existing outlet in nearby Gresley Road.

As part of the scheme, shop units and a drive-through restaurant will also be provided.

Aldi says a proposed compound serving the retail units on the site will now have to be reduced in size after it was discovered that in its original format it would block part of a right of way.

A planning application submitted to Bradford Council says: "The amendments have come about following the discovery of a historic right of way between the retail 'pods' fronting East Parade and the neighbouring parade of retail and restaurants.

"Following an independent legal review, we have been advised to avoid encroaching on this historic right of access and honour the existing passageway.

"The amendment will have no impact on the size of the units and wider design, or on the contribution towards an attractive frontage along the main road."

Aldi is also seeking to increase the number of electric vehicle chargepoints that will be provided at the site.

As part of its approved plan, the firm was required to include four live charging bays, and set aside space for a further 20 in the future.

However it now wants to create 14 at the outset, with the potential for 12 more later.

The application adds: "Against the backdrop of national and local support for the uptake of electric vehicle chargepoints, this improved provision should be welcomed."

Several buildings which occupied the site, including the former Cricketer’s Arms pub, are making way for the development.

There will be parking for more than 240 vehicles, including spaces for 15 blue badge holders and seven parent and toddler bays, plus two motorcycle bays and cycle hoops.

Landscaping – featuring wildflower areas, trees and shrubs – will be carried out.

Aldi says the development will "future-proof" the jobs of staff at the existing store, through relocation to the new site, and that employment is being created during the construction stage.

It adds: "This much-needed redevelopment will improve the range and choice of the retail offer within this area, lead to visual improvements, create jobs for local people and bring the vacant site back into active use."

The company says relocation from the existing store is due to take place in the first quarter of 2025.

Earlier this year, Keighley MP Robbie Moore welcomed the scheme but was critical of the delays.

He added: "It is great to see a derelict brownfield site being used to create jobs and bring growth to the town, but progress on this site has taken far too long and Aldi really does need to get on with it."