Developer’s traffic challenge threatens supermarket scheme

ASDA’S long-awaited ambition of opening a store in Elland was dealt a big blow yesterday when one of Yorkshire’s leading developers claimed the proposed scheme would be a “disaster”.

The supermarket giant has spent 10 years trying to get permission to open a store – and hoped its latest plans would prove acceptable.

Earlier this year the company unveiled its plans for a new store and the scheme is awaiting a decision by Calderdale planners.

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The site is near the town centre between the bottom of Dewsbury Road and Huddersfield Road. If the application succeeds, Asda hopes to open there next year.

But John Radcliffe of Huddersfield developers John Radcliffe and Sons have said that the scheme “would cause absolute traffic chaos – permanently’’.

Radcliffes are trying to secure planning permission on 87,000 sq ft of commercial development in four units on the site of the old Gannex Mill – and a planning decision on that was deferred on Tuesday.

Mr Radcliffe has written to Calderdale Council to object to Asda’s plans, saying the “traffic mayhem” the scheme would create is untenable for business in Elland.

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He says that if Asda is allowed to proceed it will have a knock-on effect with far reaching consequences to both existing employers and new employment generating schemes.

Mr Radcliffe said: “We are proposing £10m worth of investment that is targeted at cutting edge companies who operate in the worldwide market place.

“We would be the first to recognise that Elland needs investment and regeneration. We don’t doubt that it needs a new supermarket, but not at any price and the Asda price is simply too high for Elland, this scheme will bring more problems than benefits.

“Our aim is to bring first class development, investment and employment into Elland, to help rejuvenate the town, but if Asda goes ahead this will all be put in jeopardy.

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“The temporary traffic lights recently put in place on Elland Bridge and Dewsbury Road, in some extent to facilitate our works at the Gannex site have caused queuing traffic at peak times, so we all know how difficult traffic in Elland can be.

“However, it has brought home to us the shocking realisation that the Asda highways scheme is a disaster in the making.

“The proposed works on Dewsbury Road and the implication for business that are dependent on its junctions with both the Elland Riorges Link and Westbury Street will produce a dire effect, and on a permanent basis.

“We had no choice but to ask highway consultants to explain the implications of Asda scheme and their comments are extremely alarming.

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“In a nutshell, at peak times there could be queues of up to 215 cars – or 1.2km – on Dewsbury Road, for example, with similar levels on Elland Riorges Link and Huddersfield Road all to get past the new signalised junction Asda intends to create access for their store.

“It could take over an hour for cars to get through the queues, which cannot be a great advertisement for companies looking to invest in this area.

“Elland needs development, but an Asda in this location spells disaster,” said Mr Radcliffe.

But an Asda spokesman rebutted the challenge, saying: “We have been delighted by the response from local people concerning our plans for a new Asda store in Elland.

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“This is our third attempt to build a store in Elland and clearly represents our commitment to bringing real supermarket choice to the town.

“Our planned store has been carefully designed to enhance the local area and being located at the end of the high street will enhance Elland’s retail offer, helping to retain trade in the town.

“To date we have had a very positive response from local people to our investment plans which will create up to 200 new full and part time jobs.”