TRAFFIC, flooding and noise pollution were just some of the concerns highlighted about a proposed housing development at Hayfield Mills, Glusburn.

Around 70 people poured into manufacturer Cirteq's canteen on Monday to discuss blueprints drawn up by the company to introduce 89 homes on its site.

The company wants to build 53 apartments and 36 houses, which would require demolishing a two-storey building and a single-storey prefabricated unit on its eastern boundary.

The homes would probably be over two and three storeys, incorporating up to four bedrooms.

Andrew Crabtree, financial director for the Colne Road company, told residents that Cirteq was the UK's only manufacturer of circlips.

But he said the industry had changed dramatically over the last decade, with the company competing with Europe, America, the Far East and Asia.

And he said the company had seen a 100 per cent rise in energy prices and a 60 per cent increase in steel costs.

He said: "Cirteq needs to reduce its cost base to allow us to compete more effectively, that's where the redevelopment comes in. The benefits would be running a more compact site while raising funds to invest in more effective technology."

Concerns from residents included increased traffic levels, access to and from the new development, flooding, the proximity of the proposed development to playing fields, noise pollution from the factory and loss of car parking for employees.

Consultant Ben Jackson, who has been commissioned by the company to look at traffic issues, said the new development would not have a "massive impact" and predicted there would be additional two-way traffic of 60 cars at peak times.

Affordable housing and legal agreements were also asked to be taken into consideration.

Cirteq bosses will now take residents' comments on board before meeting with Craven District Council planners and deciding whether or not to submit a planning application.

After the meeting, managing director Vic Stevens admitted that the residential development was important for the future of the company.

He told the Herald: "Five years ago the company was in poor shape, but over the last three years since it became Cirteq we have done a hell of a lot to keep it on a competitive footing.

"But it is also a company which has not seen any real investment in equipment for a long time. We need to commit to investment."