SUPERMARKET chain Tesco is said to have abandoned plans to build a bigger new store in Ilkley.

A district councillor says he was contacted by a spokesman for the company today (Friday September 5), confirming Tesco is no longer planning to build the store on the former Spooner factory site, off Railway Road and Mayfield Road.

It is understood the chain is informing the local authority, and intends to market the land for housing.

Bradford councillor, Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley): said: "I'm chuffed, absolutely chuffed. If you talk to the community first, you get the right solution."

Strong opposition came from across the community to the plans to build the new store, amid fears it could put small independent traders out of business, and create traffic and other problems around the land itself.

The plans included included the redevelopment of the existing store site on Springs Lane, as a residential home and business premises.

Tesco recently said it was still looking at building a new store, despite a downturn in its performance national and deciding scrap nee store plans elsewhere in the country.

A statement on the latest development is expected from the company shortly.