Fears over the impact of a proposed Amazon facility at Scholes on surrounding routes has prompted a further intervention by National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for maintaining motorways and ‘A’ roads.

Bosses have written to Kirklees Council recommending that planning permission for the mammoth fulfilment centre is not granted until a traffic assessment is fully completed. That marks a six-month extension to a previous non-approval period.

The project, earmarked for 59 acres of farmland near Cleckheaton, emerged just over a year ago and forms part of the council’s Local Plan. However it has been mired in controversy with locals forming the campaign group Save Our Spen to raise objections against what has been described as an “absolutely monstrous” building.

National Highways is concerned about the Strategic Road Network (SRN) around the Amazon site, which is close to junction 26 of the M62 at Chain Bar and, if approved, will be accessed from the A58 Whitehall Road by hundreds of HGVs every day.

It has recommended temporary non-approval “to ensure the safe and continued operation of the SRN.” If Kirklees Council decided to move ahead regardless it would first have to consult Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.