SOUTH Craven's Ecology Building Society (EBS) has unveiled its ambitious plans for a new headquarters in Silsden.

The society aims to construct a "showcase of the latest in eco-technology", incorporating energy saving light, heat and toilet facilities.

It also wants to create landscaped gardens around the building where the staff can relax.

Presenting the plans to Silsden Parish Council last Thursday, Paul Ellis, chief executive of the EBS, said: "We want a building where people want to come to work and feel inspiration from their surroundings.

"The building has to be ecologically sound but functional so our staff can continue to work in an effective way."

The building is planned on industrial land off Belton Road, across from Moorcrofts. The land has been bought but the plans have yet to be submitted.

The EBS was founded in 1981 in Cross Hills and aims to retain all of its existing 15 staff.

The company specialises in loans to restore old buildings, and investment in environmental projects.

Mr Ellis said: "We have been looking in the area for a number of years, trying to find a suitable site. This site has a number of advantages from our point of view.

"We are looking to stay in this locality. We have grown and outstretched our current facilities.

"We wanted to retain as many of our existing staff as possible and keep up our commitment to the area.

"Silsden has a railway station and because of the nature of our business, many of our staff do like to use public transport.

"This was one of our problems in Cross Hills."

He added that the company was looking to address the problem of crossing the dual carriageway.

Later Mr Ellis agreed to support the parish council in its campaign to have an overhead crossing built.

Mark Hodson, the architect who is designing the building, explained that it would be divided into two sections, with stone dressing on the side facing the road, and glazing on the more private side.

There will be a nature roof with seed and planting, and daylight in every part of the building. Solar panels will provide some of the hot water required for the building.

There will also be a system of natural ventilation to avoid over use of heating and air conditioning systems.

An existing area used by the community for dog walking will be formalised.

The building will also include meeting rooms and function suites, which community groups will be able to use at weekends and in the evenings.

Space for 20 parked cars is planned, and Mr Ellis assured local residents that the majority of movement to and from the building would be within normal working hours.

Deliveries will go to the other end of the site, away from the houses.

Silsden mayor Lawrence Walton said: "I am impressed. I am more than impressed that you consulted with us first."

Mr Ellis added that he would like to see recycling facilities on the site but this idea sparked concern over noise and litter.

Coun Tom Chiltern added: "That would increase the traffic on Bolton Road, I am not happy about that idea at all."

The plans are expected to be submitted to Bradford Metropolitan District Council within the next two to three weeks with a projected completion date of September 2002.