AN award-winning engineering firm is set to expand its factory and create more jobs as part of a multi-million pound development in Ilkley which has been given the green light.

Bradford Council has granted planning permission for a major redevelopment of a site in Mayfield Road where a new Tesco had once been planned but never went ahead.

The development by Leeds-based Oakapple Group includes a 1,500 sq m factory extension for industrial ovens and related equipment manufacturer Spooner Industries.

Company boss Michael Brook said the development would secure the firm’s future in the town where it has operated for more than 80 years and employs more than 150 people.

Mr Brook, managing director, said:“As an Ilkley company since the 1930s, we are delighted to have been able to secure our future in the town, and to be working with partners who will bring huge economic benefits to the area.

“Our expansion, built on record sales and exports, will allow us to create more jobs, offer more apprenticeships for local students, and bring more business to the area.”

Spooner, which was named manufacturer of the year in the 2015 T&A Bradford Means Business awards, has annual sales of around £30 million and exports equipment to countries including China, Africa and South America.

The Mayfield Road site previously housed Spooner’s old factory, before the firm moved to its current purpose-built premises on neighbouring land in 2008.

The new development will include around 100 retirement and assisted living apartments for retirement housing specialist McCarthy and Stone.There will also be a new 2,900 sq m office building, 77-bed purpose-built care home and a 376 sq m children’s nursery and parking.

Phillip Taylor, Oakapple Group chairman, said: the developer was in discussions with a number of potential occupiers for the office scheme, which he hoped to conclude soon.

“Our plans will be a multi-million-pound investment in Ilkley, supporting the local economy and providing long-term employment in the town.”