July/August 2013
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Giants do battle over new store By Sandie Marshall
TESCO’S planning appeal turned into a clash of the titans with the retail giant going headto-head with fierce rival Morrisons for the right to build a supermarket in the Holme Valley. Tesco was hoping to convince planning inspector John Gray to overturn the decision of Kirklees planning committee and grant it the green light to build on the Midlothian site on New Mill Road in Holmfirth. They argued the roads around the site were sufficient to cope with additional traffic and that a supermarket would benefit Holmfirth because shoppers would combine their weekly grocery shop with linked trips to visit the town’s independent, specialist traders. But local retails disagreed, with a steady stream including Andrew Bray from Andrew’s Greengrocers, Caroline Ansty from Imagine toyshop and
David Ernshaw from Kaye’s hardware all saying they feared for the future if the Tesco plan is allowed. David Ernshaw said it would be akin to “signing the death warrant” for Holmfirth. Just weeks before the five-day appeal started, Morrisons and partners Limes Development threw their hat into the ring by unveiling ambitious plans to build a 2,404sqm foodstore on the Keith Drakes site in Honley. Their deal includes the purchase of the neighbouring council depot site from Kirklees for an undisclosed amount. Drakes has already committed to relocating from the site. At the Tesco appeal, Kirklees planning officer Nick Willcock argued that the Tesco site failed the sequential test under the national planning framework. This directs councils to decline planning applications if there is at least one alternative, edge-of-centre development site
available. Morrisons proposals at the Drakes site is exactly that, the council stated. Morrisons say they are preparing their own planning application and expect to submit it to Kirklees in the Autumn. Outside the appeal, the heated debate over Tesco that has split the Holme Valley for almost five years continued on social media sites. Many agreed with shopkeepers and local group Keep Holmfirth Special that the Midlothian site is the wrong location for a food store, while a large number of others sided with Holme Valley Voices in calling for the increased choice, convenience and cheaper groceries that Tesco would bring. The planning inspector will now consider his final judgement, which is expected to be made public by October. What do you think? Email your opinions to news@homevalleyreview.co.uk
What a summer it’s been so far in the Holme Valley with almost every community holding its own gala, festival or carnival. From traditional gatherings that have been held for decades to brand new events, people have turned out in their hundreds to support their village summer celebrations. Among them, the villagers of Scholes showed their creative talents with a Scarecrow Trail including staff at the Boot and Shoe pub who recreated the delights of the seaside with their own beach scene complete with scarecrow Bamforth’s Babe.