Campaigners in Slaithwaite fighting to save a historic mill fear an arson attack may have left the building doomed.
Keep Slaithwaite Special want to save Colne Mills, off Britannia Road, from demolition.
Developers want to flatten the site for a new Aldi supermarket.
But a huge blaze on Thursday night has put the building’s future at risk.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation by police.
Protesters expressed their shock and dismay, just as their campaign was gathering momentum.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition against the plans.
Victoria Minton, of Keep Slaithwaite Special, said she feared the blaze-damaged mill may have to be demolished, even before Kirklees planners could decide its future.
Fellow campaigner Sarah Jane Mace added: “The sheer amount of support for our campaign shows the strength of feeling against the demolition of this mill to make way for a supermarket.
“If the mill is to be pulled down, that’s a decision to be made through the appropriate channels once the objections have been reviewed.
“It’s extremely unfortunate that this important decision may now be affected by the actions of an arsonist.”
Campaigners believe if the mill is demolished and replaced by Aldi it will “tear the heart out of the village” and bring congestion to the village centre.
Action Against Aldi is encouraging local residents to submit their own comments to Kirklees Council. Details of how to do so can be found at www.slaithwaite.org/AAA .
Police are investigating links between the Colne Mills fire and another suspected arson at the former Hoyle Ing Dyeworks in Linthwaite at 5am on Friday.
