The Co-operative Group’s proposals for a retail outlet off Back Bank Street were agreed at Wakefield Council’s planning and highways meeting on Thursday.

A group spokesman told the meeting it could not continue running the “financially unviable” car park and without development it might be left derelict.

He added: “This will offer a change from Castleford’s central shopping area and contribute to the overall regeneration of the town. It will also create employment opportunities.”

A previous scheme for the store with a Wilkinson branch was rejected because of inadequate facilities last year but a new Wilkinson has since opened at the old Pioneer on Carlton Street.

Councillors highlighted fears that 135 planned car parking spaces – to serve the new outlet and Wilkinson branch– would not meet demand at peak shopping times.

The meeting heard that a management scheme to discourage long stay parking could be put in place.

Castleford Coun Tony Wallis said: “This application brings the site into use to attract people to this side of town, which is really needed.

“Parking is a worry but I don’t think it is a reason to reject these plans.”

Airedale councillor Yvonne Crewe also called for new site lighting to prevent anti-social behaviour.

She told the meeting: “Back Bank Street is a narrow ginnel and I worry about anti-social behaviour if we put more developments up.

“I’m also sad there is not going to be a proper excavation of this site, which is close to the old Roman baths.

“Items buried there could go on show in our planned museum the Forum.”

A spokesman for the Co-operative Group said discussions with two potential purchasers of the store were ongoing.