Controversial plans to build a multi-million pound business park could be thrown into jeopardy after trapped gas which poses “a potential risk to human health” was discovered in the ground at the proposed site.

Higher levels of carbon dioxide were discovered on land earmarked for the £25 million development in Buck Lane, off Otley Road, Baildon.

Bradford Council has submitted a planning application to create 6,732 square metres of high-tech manufacturing space, a hotel and 400 square metres of retail premises.

However, a report as part of the planning application highlights a previous investigation which discovered gas smells coming from earth dug from a bore hole at the northern end of the site.

The report reads: “There is a risk that contamination may be migrating on site from the site of the former Baildon Chemical Works to the north, leading to a potential risk to human health from the accumulation of ground gasses within confined areas or direct contact with contaminated soils… post construction or by construction workers during development.”

The report, called Preliminary Desk Study and Risk Assessment, makes it clear the report is made up of evidence from 1999.

However, Tim Yeardley, chairman of BRAiD (Baildon Residents Against inappropriate Development), which is fighting the proposals, said the findings were still relevant as no work had been carried out on the site since.

He said: “It is 11 years on but there is no evidence to suggest that contamination just ebbs away, there is even evidence which suggests that contamination gets worse if untreated.

“This is outrageous that there is possible contamination and another example of the Council airbrushing another important issue out of the picture.

“They have not bothered to look properly at the contamination, the environmental impact or the impact of the huge amount of traffic that will be caused should this go ahead.”

A spokesman for Bradford Council said: “Often on major planning applications, initial environmental reports show more intensive surveys are needed to confirm the full extent of land contamination.

“These additional detailed reports will then make it clear what works are required to clean a site up and make it safe and fit for purpose.

“All of this information will be presented to the planning panel when the applications are considered.”

e-mail: marc.meneaud@telegraphandargus.co.uk