Plans to site a bathroom fittings factory in the middle of an Ilkley residential area have been rejected.

The decision was taken by the head planning officer and the chairman of the Keighley area planning sub-committee, using delegated powers, because of the opposition from nearby residents.

A spokesman for the planning department said the bid was rejected because of the expected impact of industrial processes on the residential area, and expected road safety problems caused by increased traffic.

Ilkley businessman David Harrison, who wanted to move his expanding Cavalier Marketing business from Silsden to Ilkley, had already indicated he would be looking elsewhere because of the local reaction.

Planners now face the dilemma of deciding on the most appropriate development at the former Woolmark research and development building in Valley Drive.

The official designation of the site is 'light industrial' which narrowly limits the type of operations there. The building is not an ideal type to be divided up into offices and any other manufacturing process would mean a change of designation to full industrial use, a step likely to come up against the same groundswell of opposition as Mr Harris's plan.

The site could be redesignated as housing land which would suit the residents and fulfil Bradford's commitment to encourage housing development on 'brownfield' sites rather than the green belt.

Ilkley District Councillor Martin Smith said the site would be ideal for affordable housing but open spaces and play areas for children would be needed.

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