The site of the failed Holmfirth Tesco bid has been earmarked for dozens of homes.

More than two years after the supermarket giant lost a planning appeal to build a large store near the town, a new plan for 56 homes and a 62-bed care home for the elderly has emerged.

An application has been lodged to build at the former Midlothian Garage site by Otley based Prospect Estates Ltd, who have bought the plot from Tesco.

Rob Cooke from the firm said he hoped residents would be happy that a residential scheme was planned.

“We’ve spent some time trying to buy this site off Tesco and we’re pleased we’ve managed to do that,” he said.

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“It’s a good site, there’s demand for housing and it’s a nice area.

“We will deliver something in keeping with the area.

“We’ve also included a considerable amount of public open space and amenity.

“Hopefully that’s not too objectionable for local people.”

The firm has proposed to planners that it will mainly build larger houses, with 40 of the 56 homes to be four-bed or bigger.

Three one-bed flats and five two-bed houses would be the affordable housing offer.

Mr Cooke said while the plan was mainly for four-beds, they weren’t huge homes.

Rob Cooke surveys the derelict site of the former Midlothian Vauxhall garage, Holmfirth.

He said: “We’re working with the council to deliver something that fits on all fronts.

“We have put forwards an element of affordable housing and we will work with the council to see if they are happy with that level.”

A draft layout of the housing plan shows a three-pronged cul-de-sac estate with the care home adjacent to the main road.

The plan says the areas of woodland on the plot would be left alone as much as possible although retaining walls will be installed.

The site, next to Holmfirth Tennis Club, has been unused since the garage shut down in 2003.

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Rob Cooke surveys the derelict site of the former Midlothian Vauxhall garage, Holmfirth.

Tesco’s interest was first revealed in 2008 sparking a determined campaign to keep the retail giant out of the town.

The plan was shelved the following year but returned in 2011.

Councillors rejected the scheme on the grounds that the area could not cope with the traffic.

An appeal and public inquiry in the summer of 2013 ended with the Planning Inspector rejecting the plan in September that year.