RESIDENTS and councillors have lost their fight to keep developers off a former ice cream factory in Cononley.

Inspectors upheld an appeal by Keighley building firm RN Wooler and Company to build 34 homes at Aireside Mill - formerly the base of Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream.

The move comes after around 100 residents objected to the build and Craven District Council planners turned down the scheme twice.

Reasons for refusal included flooding risks, loss of employment potential, the size of the build and the fact that it was outside a major settlement.

An inquiry took place in May, chaired by town planner David Cullingford and it was revealed last week that the applicants had won their appeal.

It means the Cononley Lane site can be used to build 34 two, three and four bedroom terraced and semi-detached homes and flats.

The developers are currently finalising a 106 agreement with Craven District Council to include four two-bedroom units for affordable homes.

Other winners include Cononley School, which looks set to receive £29,180 for improvements; North Yorkshire County Council, which should receive £15,000 to help fund traffic calming schemes and Craven District Council who could be allocated £7,500 to improve or extend facilities at Cononley recreation ground.

Mr Cullingford stated in his report that he was now satisfied with the revised flooding measures.

He stated: "I am satisfied the information now presented in the revised flood risk assessment provides a robust demonstration that the flood alleviation measures proposed would provide adequate protection for prospective occupants.

"It would also improve protection for residents in Airedale cottages and Airedale Avenue, enhance protection for enterprises on the adjacent industrial estate and possibly reduce (but certainly not exacerbate) flood risks for land and property downstream of the proposed development.

"Hence, I conclude the appeal should be allowed in the light of the section 106 obligation and subject to the conditions listed, all of which are intended to ensure the proposal is implemented as intended."

North Yorkshire County Councillor Mark Wheeler was one planning member against the build.

He said: "I am disappointed with the result.

"I wish the flood alleviation measures were being put in place to save employment land. But I guess the important thing is that the measures are being put in place."

Mr Wheeler added: "The land has gone for houses, but do we need them in Cononley? I would question that.

"The 34 houses are all family homes, so there will be two or even three cars per household, meaning potentially 100 extra cars in Cononley trying to get across the awful railway crossing.

"I was never convinced at the effectiveness of the flood alleviation measures, but the inspector has taken the decision out of our hands.

"If and when the area does flood, I will wave a copy of the report and say 'I told you so'."