PLANS to build a new Tesco store in Holmfirth could be thrown out next week.

A report from Kirklees Council planners has recommended refusing permission for the retail giant to develop a site in New Mill Road.

They have urged councillors attending a special planning meeting to reject the controversial plan, which has sparked numerous protests and counter-protests in the Holme Valley.

Officers say one of the main reasons is that there is a more suitable site for a new store in Honley – on the main Woodhead Road and currently occupied by Keith Drake feed merchants and the council’s own Highways depot.

They say the Honley site is closer to its village centre and has better transport links than the former Midlothian Garage site.

Tesco said: “We have explained to the council why the Honley site is not viable unless it is for a large store – which is precisely what the council told us was not acceptable in Holmfirth.”