THE potential for attracting cutting edge international companies to Elland could be harmed by a supermarket proposal, a developer fears.

Asda has applied to build on land at Dewsbury Road.

Another developer, John Radcliffe and Sons Ltd, along with Pennine Housing, wants to build properties and 87,000 sq ft of commercial space on the nearby former Gannex Mill site as part of a £10m development.

But John Radcliffe, whose company is based at Leeds Road, Huddersfield, believes there would be traffic jams stretching 1.2km at peak times.

He said: “I have a balance to make here. I’m trying to attract international, cutting-edge technology companies to Elland and I don’t want to be highlighting that they’re going to be stuck in traffic jams outside their front door.”

The Gannex application was due to be heard earlier this week but was pulled from Calderdale’s planning committee to tie up an outstanding environmental issue. It was recommended for approval. Mr Radcliffe, says he now expects it to be heard at the beginning of April.

If approved, it would see commercial units and 65 homes on the 5.11 hectare site.

Pennine Housing has secured Social Housing Grant funding of £4.25 million from the Homes and Communities Agency for affordable housing there.

But Mr Radcliffe believes the traffic problems from Asda would be permanent and untenable.

He added: “We would be the first to recognise that Elland needs investment and regeneration. We don’t doubt that it needs a new supermarket, but not at any price and the Asda price is simply too high for Elland, this scheme will bring more problems than benefits.”

He believes that, at peak times, there could be queues of up to 215 cars – stretching 1.2km – on Dewsbury Road, with similar levels on Elland Riorges Link and Huddersfield Road all to get past the new junction Asda would create as access for their store.

But Asda dispute his claims, saying they would submit a full transport assessment to Calderdale Council and are working closely with their highways team to provide the necessary improvements to the junction.

An Asda spokesman said: “This is our third attempt to build a store in Elland and clearly represents our commitment to bringing real supermarket choice to the town.

“Our planned store, has been carefully designed to enhance the local area and being located at the end of the high street will improve Elland’s retail offer, helping to retain trade in the town.”

If approved, the supermarket would bring 200 full and part time jobs to Elland.