Tesco go-ahead for store on sports centre

Critics, including Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman, had opposed the plans, which will see a huge new store at Southgate.

The sports centre will be rebuilt at Springwood, on the edge of the town centre, with money made by the council from the land deal.

Mr Sheerman has claimed the new Tesco will add to traffic problems, reduce air quality and damage businesses but the plans were approved by the Planning Inspectorate.

Council leader Mehboob Khan said: “The independent planning inspectorate left no stone unturned in their assessment of the planning application and this decision indicates their support for the scheme which secures a good deal for the town.

“It not only provides a much-needed new sports centre but creates real benefits for local people in regenerating the area around the former Tesco store with high quality housing and much-needed hotel accommodation plus hundreds of construction jobs.”

The Planning Inspector said the plan would bring “significant positive economic, social and environmental benefits” and the town centre would remain “vital and viable”.