PLANS for a cattery in Keighley have been refused, with some Councillors questioning why the application had come before a planning committee in the first place.

An application for a "small scale cattery" on the grounds of Beltrees on Occupation Lane, on the outskirts of Keighley, had been submitted to Bradford Council by Gemma Andrews earlier this year.

The wooden building, which had 10 pens for cats, has already been built.

The application went before the Council's Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel on Wednesday.

Planning officers had recommended the plans for approval, telling members that had already been a cattery business based in the house, but changes to licensing rules meant that the cats would now need to be housed outside.

There had been five objections to the plans, including one by Councillor Adrian Farley (Lab, Keighley West).

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Objectors had raised concerns about the increased traffic to the site the plans would create - Occupation Lane is a narrow bridleway.

But planning officers pointed out that business had already been operating within the house, and these plans would not necessarily lead to more traffic.

Keighley Town Councillor Martin Walker spoke against the plans, pointing out that the six bedroom house is currently on the market.

He added: "I've made 10 attempts to contact the owner and had no luck."

Officers were asked why the plans were even being discussed when the house was on the market.

John Eyles replied: I spoke to the applicant about two weeks ago and asked whether they wanted to withdraw the application. They said no, they want it to be determined."

Members of the panel voted to go against officers' recommendations and refuse the plans on highway safety grounds. They feared the business would attract extra traffic to a narrow road.