FIERCELY contested plans for a privately run cemetery near Keighley Tarn have been recommended for approval.

Bradford Council planning officers have argued that the application for the graveyard, off Black Hill Lane, should be passed when it comes before the council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee on Tuesday.

The applicant, Keighley Community Cemetery, wants to build the cemetery on the former Braithwaite Edge Quarry and Landfill site. It says the land could accommodate 1,500 to 2,000 burial plots.

Hundreds of objectors and supports have commented on the proposals on Bradford Council's planning website.

People opposed to the plans say the development would harm the environment, pollute local residents' drinking water and cause traffic congestion.

The application has also been opposed by councillors, including Keighley West ward member Brian Morris and Keighley town councillors Ian Dermondy and George Firth.

However, the agent acting on behalf of the applicant said the graveyard would meet a growing need for fresh burial spaces, and would be sensitively designed to blend in with the rural landscape.

The agenda for next week's meeting explains council officers have recommended approval, but would like planning conditions attached to any approval "reworded" to ensure their effectiveness.

Keighley West councillor Adrian Farley opposes the application on environmental grounds.

He said better consultation with local residents would have ensured rumours surrounding the proposals may never have circulated.

"Flooding, and wildlife seem to be the key concerns. I think some of the concerns are valid," he added.

Commenting on the application's discussion in Bradford, rather than Keighley, he said: "The application will be determined by the Regulatory and Appeals Committee.

"The committee comprises elected members from the whole of the Bradford district including Keighley councillors.

"It would have been nice if the panel could have met in Keighley, but it's not possible to expect the panel to hold a meeting wherever an application originates.

"There's also practical considerations, such as having rooms of sufficient size to host the meeting."

Cllr Farley stressed the proposals for the cemetery did make it clear that if it was approved, the graveyard would be open to people from all religions.

"Nowhere in the application does it say it's for one faith," he said. "I understand it will be open to all faiths.

"Bradford Council planning officers and committee members have to made a decision based upon the application before them, and not assumptions or rumours.

"If officers and elected members make decisions based on rumour and speculation then that would be unfair, and may be challenged.

"The council officers make their decision based upon planning law and process, rather than opinion and feeling.

"Clearly if the applicant does not comply with the planning conditions then enforcement action can be taken by the council."

Bradford councillors will be discussing and deciding on the plans in City Hall at 10am.