Plans for a Tesco superstore in the West Yorkshire town of Holmfirth, home of the BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine, have been axed after a campaign by residents and local independent retailers.

They feared that the 6,200 square-metre store planned for New Mill Road, about two miles from the town centre, would have ruined the town’s character and caused congestion.

Corporate affairs manager Jennifer Duncan says that although Tesco has withdrawn its planning application, it will be submitting new plans in the future.

She says: “We remain committed to our proposed investment in Holmfirth and all the benefits this will bring.

“We have made good progress in our discussions with Kirklees Council, but feel more time is needed to address some of the details of our plans.

“This will enable us to continue dialogue with officers as we work towards resubmission.”