Plans for a Lidl store and care home on the site of a former hotel in Wetherby have been recommended for refusal despite public backing.

The plans, which go to a cabinet vote on Thursday, include a 84-bed care home and eight senior living eco-homes for the over 55s, provided by Springfield Healthcare.

Lidl said over 820 local residents had backed the proposal. Leeds City Council said it had received 122 objections and 611 letters backing the development.

Planning officers have recommended refusal on the grounds the development is situated in land allocated for housing.

Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Liam Schofield, commented: “There is widespread support for the de[1]velopment, and we’re incredibly grateful to the local community who continue to come out and back the plans. Given this strong support, we were naturally disappointed to hear that planning officers have recom[1]mended the application is refused. We want to ensure those living in the area have convenient access to our high-quality, affordable produce and would encourage as many people as possible to make sure their voices are heard by adding their names to the petition.”

Graeme Lee, chief executive of Springfield Healthcare Group, added: “As well a new Lidl store and much needed elderly care and senior living accommodation on this site, the plans would also regenerate this key gateway into Wetherby, creating local jobs and representing a significant boost to the local economy.”

If approved the plans would create around 160 full- and part-time jobs.