Councillors have approved plans for a stone-cutting shed at Branshaw Quarry, on the fringes of Keighley.

The proposals were considered by members of Bradford’s regulatory and appeals committee.

At their meeting yesterday they went along with the officers’ recommendation that the plans for the site at Holme House Lane be accepted. The application had provoked resistance from local residents in the shape of 34 objections.

Along with opposition from Keighley Town Council, the objections cited fears about industrial-type noise, increased numbers of heavy goods vehicles and damaging effects on wildlife.

But the applicant, Ashlar Stone Products, argued that a noise assessment showed that the operation would not increase background levels.

The company also pointed out that the shed would be in the bottom of the quarry, so would not be visible from the surrounding area.

The council planning officer’s own written report on the plans noted that so long as “stringent” conditions were imposed, the development should not have a harmful impact.