AN expert's report on whether a new housing estate in Cononley will suffer flooding problems is to remain top secret.
The public - and the press - will not be allowed to hear the specialist's views about flooding on the former Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream factory alongside the River Aire.
Sian Watson, planning officer at Craven District Council, said the report was being kept secret because it could be used by the applicants in any future appeal if the council stood by its decision to turn down their plans for 34 houses on the site.
Members have twice rejected the advice of its own officers and turned down the application because of fears over flooding.
Now the application comes before the committee for a third time on Monday, with the secret recommendations by the specialist.
Members will also consider representations from neighbours who are in favour of the housing estate and who have distanced themselves from a petition against the development submitted earlier
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