THE sale of a six-acre Aire Valley brownfield site could lead to 350 new manufacturing jobs as part of a £10 million development.

And the property agent is urging councillors to free up more land in the area for industrial development to secure the Aire Valley's strong manufacturing heritage.

Addingham-based Turner Developments has bought the site off Dalton Lane, Keighley, once occupied by Worthington textile group, to build manufacturing units.

Mike Atkinson, of agents Atkinson Associates, said the intended scheme was for ten to 15 properties ranging in size from 1,000 sq ft to 60,000 sq ft .

He said early interest had been shown by a major manufacturer from outside Keighley which could result in a single 150,000 sq ft factory being developed instead.

"It's early days yet and we have to go through the planning process, but the site offers options for either one large unit or several smaller ones," he said.

Turner Developments is working with Bradford Council to progress the scheme, which has been welcomed by Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, portfolio holder for employment skills and culture.

She said: "I’m really pleased that this long vacant brownfield site has been purchased by a local developer with an excellent track record.

"We will be working with the developer over the next three months to look at proposals to redevelop the site. Keighley is a great location for businesses and if the proposals are successful, then the additional business accommodation and job opportunities will be welcomed by local businesses and jobseekers alike."

Mike Atkinson said the new premises would be built for sale to meet a growing demand for freehold industrial property in the area.

Mr Atkinson also acts for the new Baildon Business Park which he said was generating strong interest.

He said: "Whilst I understand the pressure on councillors to provide space for housing developments, it is vital that we have enough industrial space in the Aire Valley where several internationally renowned manufacturers are still operating in defunct buildings due to a shortage of suitable modern premises.

"Ideally, we should see a major 25 acre site made available, otherwise companies will be tempted to relocate to East Lancashire where there is plenty of space."

The acquisition of the site by Turner Developments follows the multimillion pound redevelopment of the 13-acre disused former Magnet site in Royd Ings Avenue . Five buildings totalling 500,000 sq ft were sold to Aire Valley manufacturing companies

Turner Developments had previously created Aireside Business Park at the former adjacent former Ponden Mill site which is fully occupied employing around 200 people.