PLANS to build a new Amazon warehouse near Chain Bar have been refused by Kirklees Council this afternoon.

Over 2,000 people, including Batley and Spen MP Kim Leadbeater, had objected to the proposed development of a huge distribution warehouse on a site near junction 26 of the M62 at Chain Bar.

Local residents in Scholes feared that as well as seeing vastly increased amounts of traffic, they will be subjected to unacceptable levels of noise, light, and air pollution.

Kirklees planning officers had recommended the plans for approval, saying the investment in the area would outweigh any of the problems it created.

At a meeting of the Council’s Strategic Planning Committee this afternoon, members voted to refuse the scheme – with four backing refusal and three against.

After the meeting, Councillor Anthony Smith (Lib Dem, Lindley) said: “The refusal is a victory for local residents, the environment and the whole of Kirklees.”

Bradford Councillor Matt Edwards (Green, Tong) had objected to the plans. He said: "Excellent news that the Kirklees Strategic Planning Committee has refused plans for an Amazon Warehouse! Well done to the Save Our Spen group for their excellent work leading this campaign to protect the communities in Scholes, Oakenshaw and Cleckheaton!"

More to follow.