Tesco has officially launched its bid to take over a pub.

A planning application has now been submitted to Kirklees Council for a store at the Rising Sun pub in Golcar.

If planning permission is granted, the Leymoor Road pub will become a Tesco Express, creating around 20 jobs.

The application is for an extension and refurbishment to the pub, which is a Grade II listed building.

The 150sqm extension is to the side and rear of the building, with most of the internal walls stripped out to open up the building, with office and staff areas on the first floor.

Clr Hilary Richards, Golcar Labour, said: “The manager told me he will be writing to neighbours in the near future and said he was looking at holding a meeting.

“I have already emailed the Tesco Property Manager I had spoken to asking for details of when he will be communicating with local residents and reminding him of my request for a public meeting with Tesco and their property agents.”

Clr Andrew Marchington, also Golcar Lib Dem, added: “We’ve had a survey of residents and it’s pretty balanced for and against. The primary concern is the impact of a supermarket on an already busy Leymoor Road.

“There is a bigger issue than just this application. There are plans for 96 houses at Grange Road 19 houses off Banks Road and 21 houses off Leymoor Road, plus this, which will generate a lot of extra traffic.

“I’ve long said we need to look at the cumulative impact because if all of these applications go ahead Golcar will be gridlocked.”

Clr Marchington said he did not oppose the store in principle but felt more consideration needs to be given to wider highway issues.

Tesco say they can open a store without any change of use needed, but they do require planning permission for the extension.

In the application they state: “The application site is in an existing commercial use located in a sustainable and accessible location.

“The original character of a weavers’ cottage has been all but lost, save for the impressive mullioned windows to the front and rear of the premises.

“The proposed extension, and resulting building will ensure the long term viability of the premises and in doing so create local employment opportunities.”