SUPERMARKET chain Tesco is scrapping plans for a new store in Ilkley and plans to sell off the site it intended to build on.

The company expects to put the former Spooner factory site, off Railway Road and Mayfield Road, on the market in the next fortnight.

There was strong opposition to the plans for a new store, amid fears it could put small independent traders out of business and create traffic problems.

Councillors were contacted by the firm earlier today with the news.

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

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

Councillor Mike Gibbons (Con, Ilkley), who also received the call from Tesco, added: "I did tell him there wouldn't be many tears shed at the decision."

He was told the plan is to continue with operations at the existing store in the town.

The new store plans in Ilkley were approved as the result of a public inquiry in 2010, having initially been turned down by Bradford Council. Planning permission was renewed by the local authority last year.