Tesco has lodged an appeal against the decision to block plans for a new supermarket in Ilkley – six months after proposals were unanimously thrown out.

A public inquiry will now be held into the decision by Bradford planners, who turned down an application to build a new store on an old factory site off Railway Road last August.

A spokesman for the supermarket giant, which filed the appeal just days before the six-month deadline, said they had been deeply disappointed by the planning committee’s decision.

Matthew Magee, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: “We have, of course, taken the comments very seriously and we have not taken the decision to appeal lightly.

“However we remain committed in our belief that Ilkley will benefit from a new store, creating hundreds of new local jobs and helping the centre thrive by giving people a local option for the goods they currently leave the town for.

“We are confident that the evidence reinforces this view and that many people in Ilkley support us.”

Proposals to build on the site, formerly home to industrial manufacturer Spooner Industries, and redevelop Tesco’s existing site on Springs Lane sparked massive protests, including 2,000 written objections, public meetings and a petition.

Bradford Council rejected the application on the grounds that the new store was contrary to its retail strategy and planning policies and would result in the loss of residents’ amenities. Inappropriate materials and massing of the building were also given as reasons for refusing the plan.

The scheme to change the Springs Lane site into business units and a care home was rejected because of fears it would result in loss of retail land.

Campaign group Ilkley Residents Against Tesco Expansion (IRATE) said it was disappointed that Tesco had not listened to the collective voice of the community.

A spokesman said: “Time and time again Ilkley people have spoken out against the building of an un-needed superstore in a residential area.

“A 5,000 signature petition, 2,000 objection letters and packed halls at two public meetings have clearly stated the town’s views. At the hearing in August, Bradford planners agreed with this view.

“Throughout Irate’s campaign, which began in 2007, the protest group has supported the case for Tesco to remain on and improve its existing site – rather than build a separate, larger store, inappropriate for requirements of this small, attractive tourist town of 14,000 people.”

Confirming the appeal had been lodged, Bradford Council senior planning officer Martyn Burke said: “At the moment the council is in negotiation regarding the likely programme for the appeals which are to be held at public inquiry.

“When the programme has been confirmed by the Planning Inspectorate, we will notify all interested parties. The Inspect-orate will be sent copies of all representations lodged against the planning applications.”

Chairman of the Keighley Area Planning Committee, Councillor Chris Greaves, today urged people to be prepared to give evidence at the inquiry.

He said: “We will send the entire planning file to the inspector but he will also ask for written comments and I would urge people to take that opportunity.

“Tesco will state their case, we will state our case and the public will state their case. In a way, it’s starting over again.

“As a council, we will be instructing legal counsel and other professional advisers to act on our behalf and will be defending the decision. We will keep people informed as much as we can.”

The inquiry is expected to last up to a week.