DEVELOPERS hoping to build on Guiseley's old Silver Cross factory need to have "a total rethink" before their plans can be backed by residents.

That was the view of one Guiseley and Rawdon councillor as Leeds Plans Panel (West) was given its first chance to comment on The Woodford Group's proposals for the former works site.

The company wants to build 100 flats, two, four storey office blocks, a two storey extension to an existing office block and 28 'work/live' units on land off Back Lane. A large green space would also be created in the middle of the development.

But 126 residents, worried at the scale and design of the scheme and its effect on traffic, have objected to the application.

Councillor Stuart Andrew (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon) was one of several panel members who voiced similar concerns at last Thursday's meeting.

Coun Andrew said: "I'm not enthusiastic about this development in its present form. The fact we've got 100 apartments is not what Guiseley needs, it needs more family houses and a much, much better design than the one that's here, which is out of character.

"Back Lane is predominantly more traditional buildings and this looks a bit of a mish-mash, it can't decide whether it's an urban or rural development.

"To me it's an over-intensive use of the site and there are a lot of traffic problems here which will be made worse in the future.

"The public transport we have currently can't cope with the level of usage, trains often don't stop in Guiseley because they're already full. I worry that we're just piling on the pressure without thinking about the issues ahead of us.

"I would hope there would be a lot more discussion, and almost a total rethink, before this comes back to panel."

Coun Andrew also voiced fears about the loss of ex-employment land in the area, a concern shared by Coun Amanda Carter (Con, Calverley and Farsley).

But planning officers claim the mixed use development could actually provide space for up to 250 jobs, compared with the 140 people employed by Silver Cross before its closure.

The meeting also heard that since the site is beside a busy bus route and close to Guiseley Railway Station, officers considered the development to be 'sustainable'.

The developers are drawing up a 'green' travel plan, similar to the one being implemented for the High Royds redevelopment, which they claim should ease any traffic problems.

Coun Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon), however, was not impressed. "It's over intensive and badly designed," he said.

Coun Graham Latty (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon), was the only panellist to speak out in favour of the scheme, but acknowledged it still needed a lot of work.

He said: "This site needs developing and from that point of view I'm completely on board. It's deteriorating, attracting the wrong sort of attention and if somebody doesn't build on it soon it's going to become a bit of an eyesore in Guiseley, which would be a shame.

"But one of the sticking points with the proposed development from local people's points of view has been the corner block, which is a bit of an eyesore, and the apartment block.

"They're still incredibly big and when it goes to public consultation they are going to be the sticking points.

"The issue of traffic is also going to create a great deal of concern locally because we're already in the process of a four year wait to see the effect from High Royds."

The councillors' feedback will now be passed on to the developers before a full report on the plans is brought back to the panel.

l A public meeting to discuss the Silver Cross proposals will take place at Guiseley School from 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 6.

Written notice of the event, which was organised by Coun Latty, has also been sent to around 400 residents.