NETTO has confirmed it is to build a new store in Otley.

The value supermarket said this week that it had bought the former Otley Motors site on Pool Road - as exclusively revealed in last week's Wharfedale.

And although a spokesman was not able to give many details on the proposed new store, he said consultation would take place with the community.

William Smith, of Netto UK, said the plans were at a very early stage. "I can confirm that Netto have acquired the property and we will be taking discussions forward with the local community and the planning officers in due course."

Last week Eddisons Commercial, agents for the administrators of collapsed car dealership Otley Motors, said the site was sold at the end of last year for more than £2 million.

The property, which neighbours Otley Rugby Club, was sold after administrators were called in to the struggling car dealership.

Netto, which currently has a store in Cross-gate, has in the past revealed it was interested in moving to a larger site in the town.

Chairman of the town council's plans committee, Coun Gerald McGowan, said he welcomed the sale of the site to Netto.

"There is no parking at the old Netto store and there will be at the new one.

"The one thing that does concern me is that the site is a bit out of town. It will be difficult for those people who come down on the bus from the Weston estate. Perhaps Netto will be able to put on a bus for them."

He added that the site was a sensitive one on the outskirts of a conservation area and at one of the approaches to the town.

"It will be an opportunity. The building should be of a decent quality.

"It will also be an opportunity for others to move into the site Netto will vacate."

Coun Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) added it was an opportunity to provide more car parking for the town.

"One thing that Otley suffers from is parking and hopefully we will be able to provide more at Netto. We need to maximise parking so people visit the town.

"It is an important site right at the entrance to Otley. We will be wanting a good building and one that sells Otley to people as they approach the town."

Coun Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) also welcomed Netto's purchase of the site. "I think it is a suitable use. They are an established trader in the town and it is nice to see them expanding. I was concerned that the area would go to a block of flats," Coun Campbell said.

Otley's Mayor, Coun Norman Harrison said he was glad the site was not going to be redeveloped for housing.

He said: "I would have preferred the site to be used for industrial units, but I am glad its not going to be housing and I'm happy Netto has got it and wish them every success.

"My only concern would be that for those people without a car it will be difficult to get to."