Skipton'S proposed new, larger Tesco store looks set to be knocked back by Craven District Council.

Council officers have recommended the application be refused amid a barrage of opposition from residents, the town council and civic society.

The supermarket giant wants to knock down its existing store on Craven Street and build one nearly double the size with a glazed high level canopy and mezzanine at the rear of the building.

The council's planning committee will determine the application on Monday.

A host of organisations such as English Heritage, North Yorkshire County Council's highways department, Christ Church School and retail planning consultants Savills have had their say on the proposed scheme.

Alyn Nicholls and Associates have been instructed by Morrisons supermarket to object to the application and to call for evidence from Tesco to show that the proposal fits Government policy.

Skipton Civic Society has concerns about the effect on town centre trade, traffic and the appearance of the building, which is in a conservation area.

It stated: "We are being foisted off with a stereotype of numerous other Tesco stores. We should not accept this. Tesco has the resources to do better for a market town, which has been voted high in the popularity ratings of a national poll."

Maple Grove Developments Ltd said the retail capacity of the town would be significantly reduced should the application go ahead and the company, along with other potential developers and retailers, may have to reconsider their interests.

Specialist retail planning consultants Savills were commissioned by the council to provide an objective critique of the applicants' retail statement. They concluded that Tesco had not demonstrated a need for the increased sized store.

And English Heritage believes the scheme fails to demonstrate sensitive architectural design and should be reviewed.

Residents have also objected on the grounds of increased traffic and danger to pedestrians and delivery vans using Carleton Street as a shortcut.

Craven District Council's environmental health team also commented that the store had the potential to cause noise and light pollution to residents.

It pointed out: "A number of years ago complaints were received from residents living on The Close regarding refrigeration equipment located on the western boundary.

"This problem was resolved with acoustic barriers installed on the roof of the plant room. The plans show a new plant room on the western boundary with louvered doors.

"In order to protect the residents living at The Close it is necessary for the applicant to submit details of the plant to be installed, the respective noise levels and the measures to reduce noise levels."

Christ Church School told planners in a letter it was worried about the increase in traffic on Craven Street.

"If the store is to increase in size we would ask that you consider a 20mph limit and at least one pedestrian crossing between the store and school.

"This problem could be exacerbated by large or more frequent deliveries to the store as well as an increase in customers," it stated.

But the scheme did win approval from a Grassington resident, who said the range of goods that Skipton Tesco was able to offer was less than that of other stores.

"The result is that we go further afield to Ilkley, York, Keighley, Harrogate and Ripon.

"Whilst the management at Skipton do their best in quite outdated and inadequate premises to provide for the shoppers in the town and the Dales, the problem does not diminish," they added.