A SUPERMARKET for Elland has finally been approved after 10 years.
Morrisons have been given formal planning approval by the Secretary of State, ending a decade-long fight by residents and supermarket chains to get a prominent store in the town.
And it could be open as soon as next year if all goes to plan.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have finally been given the go-ahead on this project.
“We’d like to thank everyone who gave us their support throughout the process and we will work towards bringing Morrisons to Elland as early as possible in 2012.”
Calderdale councillors were minded to approve the plans in May, but it had to be referred to the Secretary of State for determination. He decided not to call it in and backed the councillors’ decision.
It will be built on land bounded by the Elland-Riorges link and Wistons Lane, on the site of the current NuSwift Factory.
Morrisons have promised to help NuSwift relocate, securing the firm’s 70 jobs.
The news was welcomed by GillianŠPearson, chairwoman of Morrisons SupportersŠGroup, who joined hundreds of neighbours in supporting the plan.
She said: “Following on from the planning meeting the application was referred to the Secretary to State.
“However, we have now received notification that he is not going to call it in for his determination, therefore sending it back to Calderdale to complete.
“As a supporters group, we are overjoyed at this decision, although not quite celebrating just yet.
“It should now be a maximum of 12 weeks in order to sort the final details out before we can really celebrate this success.
“The group would like to thank the general public for their backing and support on this local initiative and feel that the channelled effort by all has made the difference and changed the course of history of this 10 year supermarket saga in Elland.”
In May almost 500 residents packed the Shay Stadium for the planning committee to hear rival bids by Morrisons and Asda.
Calderdale councillors were unanimously minded to permit the Morrisons development.
The Asda application was deferred at the request of the company, which submitted last-minute alterations to their highways plans for the site off Dewsbury Road.
It is the third application by Asda for Elland. Previous attempts were thwarted in 2001 and 2007.
Calderdale Council is still waiting for Asda to re-submit the plan amendments before making a decision on the application.
