AN application made for industrial units to be built on land near the protected Hoffmann Kiln, near Langcliffe has received objections from the Friends of the Dales group.

The plans have been put forward by Craven District Council to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and are for the refurbishment of an existing barn, part demolition of an existing building and new development of B1,B2 and B8 uses together with ancillary car parking and landscaping.

The design and access statement reads: “The site lies within the Craven and Murgatroyd Limeworks Scheduled Monument and forms part of the Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area. Being situate within the National Park there is also an obligation to enhance and conserve natural beauty, wildlife and the cultural heritage of the National Park.

“The site is also within a SSSI impact risk zone. This project attempts to create a development that responds to the cultural and heritage significance of the site, improving the wider landscape and opportunity for interpretation around the Hoffmann Kiln whilst at the same time creating employment opportunities for small SME companies.

“The site was previously occupied by railway sidings, linking the complex to the Settle-Carlisle line, and has some existing 19th century buildings remaining with some existing landscape features relating to the historical sidings."

The FOtD have said they regard the application as a ‘serious threat’ to the unique site of Langcliffe Quarry and the Hoffmann Kiln.

In a letter of representation they said: “We strongly object to Craven District Council’s plan to develop part of this extensive scheduled ancient monument and a botanically rich site in Ribblesdale.

“We view the application as ‘cavalier’ regarding the ecological and archaeological assessment of the site and the likely impacts of the proposed development.

“If approved by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority we believe this application, as it currently stands, would seriously impact on the local environment and severely compromise the ecological, archaeological and cultural integrity of the Hoffmann Kiln and its surrounding area.”

The application was lodged on June 3 and consultation ended on June 26.

The plans for car parking include 65 car parking spaces, seven disability spaces and 28 cycle spaces.

The site is not regarded as being within a flood risk area.

The district council has acknowledged in its report there are protected and priority species within the site, as well as important habitats and biodiversity features.