Objectors to Sainsbury's application to build a supermarket on the site of the old Fire Station turned out in force at the Planning Committee meeting in Halifax Town Hall tonight.

Speakers Dave Brooks, David Fletcher, Councillor Dave Young, and the Hebden Royd mayor Jonathan Timbers made a passionate and well-reasoned case to the Committee.

Although there were many sound reasons put forward by the objectors, the only issue considered valid was the potential disruption to access, parking and traffic flow caused by Sainsbury's large delivery vehicles.

The atmosphere in the Chamber was tense as the arguments were considered. Finally, as the committee voted to reject the application a huge cheer rose from the public area.

An appeal by Sainsbury's is expected.

Report and photos from Mike Barrett