TESCO wants to demolish a Huddersfield pub to make way for a new store.
The supermarket giant will ask Kirklees Council for permission to knock down the Grey Horse on Halifax Road.
It will be the fifth Tesco Express in Huddersfield after stores on New Hey Road, Wakefield Road, Long Lane and Leeds Road.
Tesco corporate affairs manager Deborah Hayeems, will write to residents near the vacant Birchencliffe pub to explain the company’s proposal.
The letter will explain that the Tesco Express would help people “to shop in their neighbourhoods and reduce longer trips to the supermarket, particularly for those without a car”.
Ms Hayeems’ letter will add that there is “no demand for the premises as a public house”.
She will tell residents that Tesco plans to “demolish the existing building to make way for a sympathetic replacement to provide for a Tesco Express store and an additional, much smaller, unit ideal for a small bakery or coffee shop”.
The development would have 18 parking spaces and would employ 20 people.
Ms Hayeems writes that Tesco plans to submit its proposal to Kirklees “shortly” and, if permission is granted, the company hopes to open the store by early next year.
Clr Cahal Burke, who represents the area on Kirklees Council said last night that the development could have good and bad points.
“It’s nice that something is going to happen at the site,” said the Lindley Lib Dem.
“The last planning application was for a car wash and the Tesco plan is a step-up from that.
“This would create jobs and new work for people and is something to be welcomed.
“The Tesco would serve the people who live there quite well, which is another positive.”
But Clr Burke added he was concerned about the impact of a Tesco Express on Halifax Road, which is one of the main routes from Huddersfield to the M62.
“I’m concerned about traffic and parking. I certainly wouldn’t go to the store at busy times,” he said.
“I think deliveries will be a big problem. The Tesco at Marsh has a bit more space but even there, the big wagons take up a quarter of the car park when they’re delivering.
“Residents who live nearby will have an issue with people parking outside their houses, which is what happens at Marsh.”
Clr Burke believes the Grey Horse pub, which closed in September 2010, is unlikely to re-open.
“The building has been empty for two or three years and other empty buildings in Lindley have been targeted by vandals and people stealing metal and lead,” he said.
“Before I make a decision on backing the proposal or objecting, I will consult with residents in the area and the council’s highways department,” he added.
