Objections delay decision on Keighley shopping centre plan (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Objections delay decision on Keighley shopping centre plan

11:00am Friday 23rd March 2012 in Keighley By Miran Rahman

A development director of a business proposing a £30 million retail complex in Keighley voiced frustration after councillors deferred the application.

Keighley Area Planning Panel had been due to yesterday discuss plans for the Worth Valley Shopping Centre on a former industrial site lying between East Parade, Coney Lane and Gresley Road.

Stainsby Grange intends to build a mix of 14 large and small shop units, along with a cinema, food outlets and a 360-space car park.

But at the beginning of their meeting, councillors were told the application was subject to late objections, which would need to be considered in more detail. They voted unanimously to defer their debate.

Speaking afterwards, Stainsby Grange development director David Williams emphasised that the application had been in the system since November 21. He said: “We’ve had last-minute representations from the owners of the [Keighley] Airedale Centre on a number of issues.

“It’s anti-competitive. They’ve had four months to make their views known and they’ve kept them up their sleeves till 24 hours before the planning meeting. It’s disgraceful really.”

But a spokesman for Airedale Centre owner Propinvest, said: “Although we welcome this decision, the underlying problems with developing a scheme that can improve and enhance the town centre remain.”

• The panel recommended plans to develop a wooded area off Parkwood Street, in Keighley, should be approved. Copperwaite Fleet Management wants to buy an area of Park Wood to enable it to expand its heavy goods vehicle maintenance garage.

The recommendation will now be considered by Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee.