An Asda store will be built in Cleckheaton town centre after the Government agreed to road closures vital to the supermarket's plans.

The chain has outline permission for a 5,650 square metre store and car park off Horncastle Street and Bradford Road. But without the closures the store could not go ahead.

The long-awaited results of a public inquiry were revealed yesterday. And Asda will now be able to close a section of Northgate and four other streets - but not before the development begins.

A section of Sickle Street and King Street will be retained. Claire Irvine, property communications manager for Asda, said: "Getting the road closure orders through is a significant milestone and we couldn't build a store there without it.

"We are pleased, however the decision has been deferred by the Council's planning committee twice and there are still some outstanding issues to be resolved. Asda and developers Magellan are confident they can be addressed to the satisfaction of the committee."

Councillors wanted improvements to the side of the building which faces the town centre.

Inspector Christopher Millns, who conducted the public inquiry over the road closures, said in a report that he was reassured the pedestrian links proposed through the site would be satisfactory replacements for the current Northgate route and would be guaranteed in the future.

He said: "I am satisfied that the loss of these routes to vehicular traffic, taken together with the improvements planned to existing routes as part of the planning consent, would not have a significant impact on the public generally or on persons whose properties are near to these highways."

Strict planning laws will prevent another supermarket being built in Cleckheaton, meaning Tesco looks unlikely to be able to develop a store on land it owns at St Peg Lane.

The news was also welcomed by campaigners hoping to build a replacement school for ailing Whitcliffe Road First and Nursery on part of the land Tesco owns.

Batley and Spen MP Mike Wood said: "I welcome the decision as another step towards getting the size of supermarket Cleckheaton wants and needs.

"In regards to building a replacement school for Whitcliffe Road First and Nursery, this decision may well limit the reasons Kirklees Council can employ to delay taking action at St Peg Lane."