COUNCILLORS are being urged to call time on plans to turn a Holmfirth landmark into a pub.
More than 1,500 people have signed a petition calling for pub giant Wetherspoons to be refused permission to open a bar at the Picturedrome cinema. A decision will be made on Thursday.
And campaigners could get their way after Kirklees planning officers recommended that councillors reject the plan to convert the cinema.
They cited potential problems with traffic and noise pollution, as well as the possibly damaging impact a pub would have on other businesses in the conservation area.
Holmfirth businessman and Holme Valley Parish Council member Greg Christofi, who organised the petition, is delighted with the officers' recommendation.
He said: "It's absolutely brilliant. This is what we wanted."
Mr Christofi started the petition three weeks ago, with signatures collected in Holmfirth shops.
He said: "We have so many enthusiastic people and because of them our campaign has made a difference."
Mr Christofi is particularly worried about extra traffic if the pub plan gets the go-ahead.
He said: "Victoria Street is hell with traffic already.
"If a Wetherspoons opened lorries would have to unload from the road. Imagine the problems."
Mr Christofi would like to see the Picturedrome continue to show films.
He said: "We would like to see the cinema stay open, but there are other ways to generate money.
"It could be used for lunchtime dances for older people or there could be a coffee shop or theme restaurant.
"We need to look to the thriving Penistone Paramount cinema as an example."
Mr Christofi aims to keep the pressure on when councillors meet to decide on the pub plan at Huddersfield Methodist Mission at 1pm on Thursday.
He said: "We will have a demonstration outside at 12.30pm to show councillors how we feel."
Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "We are very keen to have a pub on the site .
"We note the recommendation from planning officers, but will wait until councillors have made a decision before commenting further."
Peter Carr, who owns the Picturedrome, refused to comment.
In 2005 he stopped the nightly big screen programme, blaming poor audience figures and spiralling costs.
Mr Carr launched a last-ditch bid to keep the cinema dream alive with a fundraising drive and blockbuster films .
