AMBITIOUS plans for the new headquarters of the Ecology Building Society in Silsden nearly fell at the first hurdle at Keighley Area Planning Committee.

The company hoped to construct the building out of recycled and sustainable materials, including a section of the roof made out of aluminium.

However this initially proved a stumbling block for Keighley planners who have previously taken out enforcement action and refused plans for buildings on the business park off Belton Road because of the colour of their roofing materials.

The planning guide stipulates the roofs must be of a dark green or brown colour to blend into the landscape.

The Ecology Building Society, which wants to move its operation from Cross Hills to the state of the art purpose-built offices, refused to colour the aluminium as the materials used would not be environmentally-friendly.

Architect Mark Hodson explained that the untreated aluminium was 100 per cent recyclable and an integral part of the design of the building.

He said: "We are not aware of any systems by which an aluminium sheet can be created to suit the recommendations of the dark green and dark brown."

Managing director Paul Ellis added: "We wished to include a number of materials as we see it as an exemplar building.

"The section is less than 20 per cent of the entire roof area of the building. Clearly we could use other materials but there is good arguments for using a variety of materials."

Councillors eventually came out in favour of the plans after arguments were put forward by Coun Eric Dawson and chairman Coun Chris Greaves. They said the building would be "unique" and of great benefit to Silsden.

The society is hoping to construct a "showcase of the latest in eco-technology", incorporating energy saving lighting, heating and toilet facilities.

The plans include landscaped gardens for staff and public use, a nature roof with seed and planting and solar panels to heat the water.

As Mr Ellis explained, the business had incorporated many features to assist with drainage, recycling water and providing facilities for public use, which other businesses on the site had not.

Coun Dawson said: "I think we ought to try it. It is an innovation. It is something that is new. It is all progress and I think we ought as a planning committee to encourage progress."

Coun Greaves agreed. He said: "This is the first industrial building in the area for years that's going to be worth looking at. It will be fascinating to see it.

"I think this is going to be a boost for Silsden, people will go and look at it. It will get people into Silsden."

Disagreement came from Coun Martin Leathey who accused planners of allowing the area to become a "theme park".

The building society has agreed to start exposing the aluminium that will be used on the roof now, so it will not be as striking when the building is erected.