Plans to develop a community area on the former Haworth First School site are to be discussed at the Haworth and Cross Roads Neighbourhood Forum on Monday.

Proposals to redevelop the empty building on Butt Lane, the community centre and adjoining land have been widely welcomed in the village.

There has been concern in the past about the future of the site and fears that the land would be sold off for housing.

"Since Bradford Met has come up with this package everyone has more or less got behind it and it has the full support of the parish council," explained Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council chairman Peter Hill.

He continued: "There are still some hurdles to overcome, but it feels like all the horses are pulling in the same direction and the forum will be a chance for residents to have their say."

Nigel Ward, chairman of the Haworth Village Trust - originally set up to preserve the school building - will present a full update of the current situation to the forum on Monday.

Mr Ward said: "We think these proposals are a good start and commend the scheme to Haworth.

"I will be giving an update on the situation and it will give people the chance to share their views."

The plans can be viewed at Haworth's Community Contact Point on Changegate - the former police station.

Mr Hill said: "Basically the site is very important to Haworth and there are a lot of people who feel the school building is integral to the village.

"The redevelopment of this area in the past has been hampered by inadequate funding - it's been a vicious circle.

"We are hoping to secure funding for this from Yorkshire Forward.

"The plans would see the school turned into loft apartments, the community centre would feature a cyber caf and small workshop units.

"There would be a village square into the park, which would feature a bandstand."

Mr Hill added that the proposals had the full backing of the parish council and village trust but that there were still issues to be resolved.

He explained: "There are still a lot of questions to be answered and money to be raised.

"There are all sorts of issues to be talked through, such as the plans requiring the loss of one or two protected trees.

"People will have the chance to be updated about the plans and have their say at the forum."

The neighbourhood forum will be held on Monday at the West Lane Baptist Church, from 7pm until 8.30pm.