Residents have raised concerns about traffic problems in Birkby if proposals go ahead for a new convenience store.

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s indicated in July they are considering a development on a site on Birkby Hall Road which is currently occupied by three car dealers.

But residents fear the site isn’t suitable for a development due to a blind corner and parking problems already blighting the area.

Resident Edward Dyson told the Examiner: “The site is some 200 metres from the busy Wheathouse Avenue junction which is already reduced to single file traffic due to cars parked down one side.

“The site is also on a blind corner making entry and exit to the site extremelly difficult.”

Residents also raised concerns about the effect the store could have on existing local stores and being out of keeping for the area.

Mr Dyson, a Birkby resident of 20 years added: “Birkby is a diverse area and we are blessed with a number of very good and diverse shops.”

But another resident, who did not wish to be named, welcomed the store, adding: “It would be good to see a nice clean store and parking there because at the moment there are too many cars on the road from the garage.”

The proposal has also shocked local businesses - three specialist car dealers - which will be forced to relocate, if the development is granted.

No application has been submitted to Kirklees Council planners but businesses affected have claimed Sainsbury’s staff have already been round to measure up.

Other concerns raised include the development lying within a conservation area, the amenities of surrounding residents, highway safety and the impact on other local centres.