PLANS for a huge new supermarket have been turned down after one councillor described the design as “like a prison”.
But a residents’ spokeswoman said the decision to block the expansion of Tesco in Cleckheaton was a black day for the town.
The supermarket giant had applied to replace its existing store between Albion Mills, Northgate and Serpentine Road with one that would be three-and-a-half times bigger.
But Kirklees Council’s Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-committee unanimously rejected the plans, saying the roof was too high.
The new supermarket would have been 17.4 metres high on the Northgate side. When planning officers asked Tesco to scale down the plans the company refused. It said a high roof was necessary to create a light, spacious environment.
Sub-committee member Clr Andrew Pinnock, who represents Cleckheaton on Kirklees, told the meeting: “It’s important that we have a store that helps to anchor the town – but not at any cost.
“Part of the attractiveness of Cleckheaton is that we don’t have many tall buildings, apart from the town hall.
“I think the proposed store is much too big. Why do they need such a high roof? Our officers see no compelling reason why Tesco can’t reduce the roof.”
Clr Christine Smith, of Kirkburton, agreed. She said: “The planned supermarket looks like a prison. It looks absolutely horrid.”
The sub-committee rejected the plan because of the effect the store would have on the Northgate street scene.
Speaking straight after the decision, Sonia Malcolm – who lives near the store – spoke of her disappointment.
The George Street Residents’ Group spokeswoman said: “This is a black day for Cleckheaton.
“I’m so disappointed for the town because the expansion would have created a lot of extra jobs. People will go out of town to get their shopping.
“I’m disgusted and appalled at the councillors’ decision. They say they’re concerned about the height, but we already have a factory on our street which is as high.”
