ANOTHER meeting has been called inviting the people of Holmfirth to another debate on controversial plans for a Tesco in the town.

The supermarket giant is seeking permission to put up a 23,000 sq ft store to the north off the A635 New Mill Road.

The new plan comes two years after the company withdrew a larger proposal at the same site.

With opinion over the new store divided, Holme Valley Parish Council has now decided to launch a “fact finding mission” before it submits its comments to Kirklees Council’splanners.

It will host a public meeting about the controversial plan next Tuesday.

The official consultation period ends on Monday, January 16.

Two years ago a public meeting over Tesco’s previous plan descended into chaos as angry opponents of the plan to build at the former Midlothian Garage site heckled and booed Tesco’s representative.

Twenty-six people stood up to make speeches against the plan – all of which were met with loud approval and rapturous applause.

But the three residents who spoke in favour of the plan were shouted down with one person calling out: “Tell the truth, no more lies”.

After the meeting, other supporters of the plan said they had felt too afraid to speak up in favour of the store.

Tesco eventually withdrew the 38,000 sq ft store plan, causing local pressure groups to celebrate, including greengrocer Andrew Bray who put up a sign saying “Holmfirth 1 – Tesco 0”.

Now residents and business owners are set to get another chance to have their say in front of parish council officials.

Tesco representatives have been invited and the plans are set to be put on display at Holmfirth Library.

People who want to speak out are being invited to apply for one of a series of three-minute speaking slots.

The council will then consider the comments at its next planning committee meeting on January 16.

A spokeswoman for Holme Valley Parish Council, said: “The committee must consider any application on its own merits and all views/opinions expressed by residents on this application will be considered by the committee before it makes a decision on its recommendation and comment to be made to Kirklees.

“It should also be noted that Kirklees Council is the planning authority and the parish council can only submit its comments, which must be based on relevant planning considerations, to Kirklees Council, following its discussions.

“As any decision therefore rests with Kirklees Council, as the planning authority, any views or opinions expressed to the parish council should also be forwarded to Kirklees Council.”

Next Tuesday’s public meeting will be held at 7pm at Holmfirth Methodist Church.

Any person wishing to speak at the public meeting is asked to register with the council clerk from 6.30pm.

Anyone wishing to submit a comment to the parish council can do so by phone on 01484 222462, by email: admin@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk or by letter to the Clerk, Holme Valley Parish Council, The Council Chamber, Council Offices, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth.HD9 3JP.