TESCO’S new plan for Holmfirth has been lodged with Kirklees Council.

The controversial supermarket giant dropped plans for a large store near the town in late 2009 following furious opposition from local campaigners.

But it returned to the Holme Valley last September.

Yesterday the retailer confirmed it had finally filed a new application with Kirklees planners, following three months of consultation with locals.

The documents are yet to made public by the council but Tesco says the new proposal is half the size of the previous application, similar to its recently built Penistone store and twice the size of Holmfirth’s Co-op.

The retailer claims more than 70% of the 1,000 people that viewed its proposals are in favour of them.

It also says the supermarket, which they hope to build on the former Midlothian Garage site off New Mill Road, will create 175 jobs and provide more choice for local shoppers.

The revised shop will be mainly a food store with a small amount of non-food. Plans for a petrol station have been shelved.

Another change will see residents who live across the road from the site being offered free car parking spaces on the site.

The company said it will be consulting New Mill Road residents in the next couple of weeks.

The 25,000 sq ft store has been opposed by local campaign group Keep Holmfirth Special (KHS), who are backing a plan by rival retailer Lidl.

KHS says they are not against any particular supermarket chain but prefer the German company’s smaller proposal.

Jason McCartney, MP for the Colne Valley, said Tesco had told him they would try to work with local suppliers and that he had met several local people who were in favour of the supermarket.

The Honley Tory added: “Opinions are mixed in the valley.

“Those that are for it want more choice and those against are concerned about the traffic and the impact on local businesses.

“It’s a balancing act, I can see pros and cons.

“It’s not clear cut, there are reasons to have and reasons not to.

“I’m just encouraging everybody to engage in the consultation process and have their say.

“Some people have got in the mindset that if they support the plan for a Lidl, Tesco won’t go ahead.

“But all options are open, we could get either one or both.

“If it is going to go ahead Tesco needs to be able to show they can cope with the traffic flow.

“The junction at New Mill is a nightmare at the best of times.

“I think that’s why they dropped the petrol station plan.”

Deborah Hayeems, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: “We’re delighted that we have now been able to submit our plans for Holmfirth which, having listened to people’s views, we have changed considerably from our first application.

“Our proposal, which will significantly transform a redundant brownfield site, is popular with local residents who want a place to do their weekly shop, closer to home.

“We will continue to work with local groups, businesses and residents over the coming weeks to ensure that we can play a positive role in contributing to a bright future for Holmfirth.”