A SKIPTON manufacturing company has revealed £6.5 million plans including a new DIY store on the edge of town.

Guyson International, on the Snaygill Industrial estate, Keighley Road, wants to use part of its site to build four non food retail stores.

The largest, of around 1,800 sq meters and believed to be a Wickes DIY , would be almost double the size of Aldi, also on Keighley Road.

The development would also include three other units, one to be a pets supplies store, all of between 370 to 550 sq meters, and a 103 space car park.

If allowed, the company will re-invest in its factory, expanding its facilities and adding to its current 100 strong workforce.

Guyson, which is jointly submitting its plans with Ilkley based developers Opus North, designs and makes industrial finishing equipment. Despite its international reputation, it is Skipton based, is a privately owned family company and employs around 100 people.

Its managing director, James Thompson, said if approved, the proposals would secure the company's future.

"We are delighted that these proposals will allow us to make much needed investment in our facilities and take on new staff. The plans will guarantee out future in Skipton for some time to come," he said.

Andrew Duncan, managing director of Opus North, said: "This sizeable investment will bring more jobs to the area and more choice to shoppers.

"Our plans are in the early stages, and we will be consulting the community before we submit them - I look forward to speaking with residents over the coming weeks."

In November last year, the company was criticised for felling trees bordering Keighley Road. The trees were not protected and Guyson had first checked with the council, but it was criticised for changing the look of Keighley Road.

Malcolm Weaving, owner of The Rendezvous Hotel, opposite Snaygill, said he would be asking for mature trees to shield the development from view.

"I would rather have the stores than what is there now as long as we get some screening," he said.

Early assessments are currently taking place at the Keighley Road site ahead of the submission of plans, which could take place this summer. If its plans are approved, Guyson hopes to start work on its factory early in 2015, with work on the retail units coming later.

Residents and businesses close to the site, and councillors, have been contacted about the proposals and an exhibition of the plans will be held on Thursday, July 3 from 3pm to 7pm at Herriot's Hotel, Broughton Road.