Proposals to develop an office block and housing on a former mill site have been rejected in principle. Keighley Area Planning Panel voiced its opposition to plans for a mixture of three storey offices and 11 homes on the site of the now demolished Perseverance Mill, in Station Road, Oxenhope.

The development was deemed inappropriate on the grounds that it didn't comply with current Unitary Development Plan policies that housing should not take place on a site also allocated for employment. Members of the panel agreed with planning officials recommendations that the matter should be dealt with as part of the current review of the Unitary Development Plan - the blueprint for future development in the area.

In light of the UDP review, councillors agreed they would not discount the development of offices on the site in the future.

Derek Allen, chairman of Oxenhope parish council said: "There are very few areas open for employment in Oxenhope and retaining employment in the village is in line with our Village Design Statement.

"We view the office block with some suspicion as it would appear easy to adapt to a residential development if employment there is not realised."

Cllr Allen added that a mixed development would also put undue pressure on roads and sewers. He also voiced the council's concern the development would look out of place in a conservation area.

Council planning officers disagreed and said the development would be in keeping with surrounding buildings.