Regeneration chiefs were today due to unveil proposals for a hi-tech business park costing up to £25 million.

The public exhibition is the chance for people to see the plans for the development in Buck Lane, Baildon.

It will be on one of the largest development sites in Bradford and include offices and research facilities for hi-tech health and digital industries.

Councillors of all parties have given their support to the scheme, which could create more than 200 jobs.

But residents fear the business park will create traffic chaos in Otley Road and destroy a wildlife haven.

Announcing plans to build the park, Councillor David Green, executive member for regeneration on Labour-led Bradford Council, said it would “stimulate new enterprise and lead to job creation” as part of the wide-ranging Airedale Masterplan to increase economic growth in the key towns of Shipley, Bingley and Keighley.

Councillor John Cole (Lib Dem, Baildon) said: “The economy is in a mess and we need to pull ourselves out with enterprise and the growth of hi-tech companies. I think this would be a wonderful opportunity to do that.”

Councillor Val Townsend (Con, Baildon) said: “I think it is a good idea which will help to bring employment to the area, which is desperately needed.”

The plans show up to 20 buildings and a new entrance off Otley Road.

Andy Taylor, of Bradford Council’s department of regeneration, said the “ball park” figure for the development was between £20 and £25 million.

Yorkshire Forward is providing £1.5m towards the scheme, despite the agency deferring payment for Bradford projects, including £1.3m for City Park.

Mr Taylor said the funding had been contracted to Bradford Council and had not appeared on any list of cuts provided by Yorkshire Forward, but the position was “constantly changing”.

The agency must make cuts of £40m after ministers slashed its budget.

A Yorkshire Forward spokesman said: “The funding has been allocated out of next year’s budget, so was not considered for the recent cost-cutting process.”

  • The plans are on show at St John’s Church, Otley Road, Baildon, today from 2pm to 4pm, tomorrow from 2pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 8pm and on Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.