PLANS for a new convenience store at a busy junction in Birstall have come under fire from objectors.
Around 50 comments have been lodged with planners over a scheme to build a new Sainsbury’s Local on a key site at the junction of Leeds Road and Huddersfield Road.
The scheme itself involves demolishing a row of four terraced houses, three of which are vacant and boarded up.
Part of the wider site, to the side and rear of the terrace, is currently empty but was previously occupied by a second-hand car sales business.
While there are currently two access points to the site, the new plans involve using one access from Leeds Road.
In a statement accompanying the plans, it states: “The existing row of four terraced dwellings and the existing vehicle workshop building are proposed to be demolished.
“A building to house the convenience retail food store is proposed. The proposals would be single-storey only inside, however, the building design has been given the appearance of a two-storey building having regard to the existing two-storey terrace (within the Conservation Area) which is proposed to be demolished.
“The building would be located in a similar position to the existing terraces on the junction of Leeds Road and Huddersfield Road.”
It adds that the height of the building would be part single storey and part two storey – although internally there would only be one floor.
An external plant compound is also proposed at the rear of the building, and a separate application has recently been submitted for the installation of equipment such as refrigeration and air conditioning units, and also for advertising consent for various signs.
The building itself would be built of ashlar stone and coursed stone with a blue slate roof. Small windows are proposed to the front with a larger glazed entrance on the eastern side.
A new car park would have 18 spaces, which includes one disabled space and two spaces with electric vehicle charging points.
A service yard would be created on the south and western part of the site.
The existing stone walls at the front of the site would remain and a new highway retaining wall along the part fronting Leeds Road would be created. There would also be hedging along a section facing Huddersfield Road.
An initial target date for a decision on the main plans has passed and a decision on the recently submitted plant and signage plans is due in December.
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