AN appeal to convert a former ice cream factory in Cononley into 34 homes has divided the village.

The appeal was held at Craven District Council's offices on Tuesday, chaired by chartered town planner David Cullingford.

Attendees heard that the applicants, Craven District Council and the Environment Agency had reached an agreement with regards to flooding defences.

But, residents are divided on the build at Aireside Mill - the former base of Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream - which has twice been turned down by Craven District Council planners.

Susan Middleton, representing around 100 Cononley residents, said it would be "criminally irresponsible" to go-ahead with the build.

She said the development was not wanted or needed by residents.

She demonstrated by pressing a weight down on a drenched sponge how the buildings would squeeze out water already soaked into the land on the site.

"It's not rocket science, it's common sense. The water has to go somewhere else and won't disappear up the river," she said.

Mrs Middleton said the development site was described by the Environment Agency as being an area of "high flood risk".

She also said it would "stick out like a sore thumb" and additional cars would add to the existing traffic problems in the village.

Kildwick resident Terry Fletcher also opposed the plans on flooding grounds.

But, residents Anne Lambert, of Aireside Avenue and Malcolm Wiseman welcomed the build.

Mrs Lambert said she felt "reassured" by the proposed new flooding measures and said she supported the application.

Mr Wiseman added that Cononley School would welcome additional pupils.

Flooding specialist Andrew Grime, managing director of Weetwood, spoke about the agreed additional flooding measures.

These included raising the ground level for the development to a minimum of 93.2 metres, with the finished floor level at 93.7 metres.

This means the site would be above the maximum flood level estimate for a one in a 100 year flood.

The current upstream wall offering flood protection would also be removed and rebuilt five metres further back from the River Aire, increasing the carrying capacity of the channel.

Mr Grime said not only would the measures give the development more protection, but would also alleviate "back door" flooding.

He said: "I have no hesitation in recommending this, which will certainly improve flood defences for Airedale cottages and other buildings in the vicinity."

If the appeal is successful, winners would include Cononley School which would receive £29,180 for improvements.

North Yorkshire County Council would receive £15,000 to help fund traffic calming schemes, while Craven District Council would net £7,500 to improve or extend facilities at Cononley recreation ground.

And, four, two-bedroom houses will be given up for affordable housing.

The appeal decision is likely to take four weeks.