A MILK processing business has unveiled plans to develop a major new plant in Keighley.

Dales Dairies wants to create a dairy processing, packaging and distribution operation at the vacant Aireworth Distribution Centre, off Aireworth Road.

David Oversby , owner of the Grassington-based business, said: "We want to expand because we've reached capacity where we are at the moment."

If the scheme goes ahead, it could mean the firm relocating part or all of its business to Keighley, although its bosses stress no decisions have been taken.

Operations development manager Paul Mason said the firm had outgrown its base, with no prospect of further expansion on the Grassington site at Town Head Farm.

The announcement comes less than two years after the business was granted planning permission to increase its operation there by converting former agricultural buildings.

But Mr Mason said: "Part of the application was retrospective so we were already operating there. We had small level of capacity, but we quickly reached that.

"The business is still growing and it cannot grow where it is now. We have not taken this decision lightly."

However, he stressed that the proposal was still in the pre-planning stages and the outcome of current consultations would determine whether the project could move forward.

The business - which has been in the Oversby family since 1938 - employs 55 people, five of whom are involved with the tenanted farm which would continue to operate.

The Keighley site has been chosen because of its proximity to important transport links, its layout and large, existing modern buildings which could be adapted.

Mr Mason said: "We've done our homework in terms of the location and the size of the site."

In a statement released as part of a public consultation day, the company said if the dairy went ahead with a full planning application, it would look to secure permission to operate 24 hours a day seven days a week to meet future demand.

It is currently restricted to operating between 7am and 7pm at its Grassington base.

The statement adds: "As the purchase of the site is based on a long-term investment basis, extended operating hours are key to future expansion and viability."