Developers want to build a multi-million pound dry ski slope near Denholme.

Proposals for the ten-hectare site at The Shay, off Brighouse and Denholme Road, have been put before Bradford planners by Thornton-based Minerals Resources (Yorkshire) Ltd.

The scheme would see three hectares of the land transformed into a winter sports complex while the rest of it would be returned to heather and grassland.

The land is half-derelict farmland overgrown with reeds while the rest is being filled in after being used for clay and mineral extraction.

If planners give the complex the go-ahead, site agent Paul Kirkman hopes it would be open within 18 months.

Proposals include a main slope and a smaller nursery slope, a log cabin with ticket and sales area as well as a caf and viewing gallery - and a skatepark.

The plans also include space for 387 cars and ten coaches.

Mr Kirkman said: "There are only a couple of farmhouses and few cottages nearby. We've spoken to some of the people and they are fairly relaxed about it.

"It's not intended to become a tourist attraction, it's aimed mainly at people who want to come and take part in winter sports, not to watch."

This is the fourth time the firm has sought permission for the ski slope from planners. It got outline planning permission passed in 1981 and in 1986, while in 1989 planners agreed a detailed reserved matters application.

Mr Kirkman said: "It has always been in my client's mind to resurrect it. He now feels the time is more appropriate. It's essentially very similar to the past schemes that were approved so we believe we have got a reasonable chance of success."

There is another dry ski slope less than four miles away near Queensbury at The Sportsman Inn but Mr Kirkman believes there is room enough for two.

"Winter sports is booming, it's becoming more and more popular. There's room for the two of us."

But Denholme parish councillor Ann Anderson is not so sure: "A ski slope for Denholme is news to us. It hasn't come up at parish council yet but there'll be quite a discussion when it does.

"It's mind-boggling that anyone would want to open a second slope when there's another one practically sitting on its doorstep."

A spokesman for Bradford Council's planning department said it was expected the scheme would be considered by a planning committee in November.