Work is set to start in the new year on the long-awaited development of the former Savoy Cinema site in Cleckheaton town centre.

Surrey-based developers Bastion House, have submitted a planning application to Kirklees Council to build a 2,000 to 3,000sq ft convenience store, three shops of 1,000sq ft each and a 14-space

car park.

David Brackenridge, of Leeds chartered surveyors Brackenridge, Hanson and Tate, agents for Bastion, said: "A well-known high street chain will be moving into the store, but we cannot yet say who this will be until the negotiations are completed.

"We do not have any tenants yet for the shops but we have had a lot of interest from potential occupiers.

"If planning permission is granted, we hope to start work early next year. It will take about six months to develop the site.''

Keith Joplin, president of Spenborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "This is wonderful news. The cinema site has been an eyesore.

"Anything positive to bring in more trade and attract more people will benefit all traders.''

Councillor Harry Fox (Lab, Spen), chairman of the heavy woollen area planning sub-committee, which will consider the application, said the latest position was the result of months of detailed

talks between council officers and the developers.

There were still planning and traffic issues which needed to considered, he said, adding: "However, the submission of this proposal and the confidence of the developer to invest in Cleckheaton is extremely good news.''

The site, derelict since the cinema was pulled down seven years ago, has been dubbed the "bomb site'' by residents.

The town's three Liberal Democrat councillors collected a 1,500-name petition last month calling on the Council to buy the site and improve its look.

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