AMBITIOUS new plans for a multi-million pound leisure complex in Craven have been unveiled at a public meeting by developers.

The project at Hellifield Flashes, between the station and the A65, proposes 300 lodges, a hotel and leisure spa build on the plot.

It also reportedly includes a cinema and a park-and-ride scheme.

The scheme is likely to be greeted by a storm of protest when it is officially unveiled, with previous applications on the site over the last 15 years or so causing a lot of controversy.

Drawings of the "Kellwell Point" scheme and a planning application by Halton Homes of Bingley are expected to be submitted to Craven District Council tomorrow.

Meanwhile, villagers have been privy to details of the project at a special consultation meeting called by the developer at the village hall last week which attracted about 300 people.

The day-long open meeting was presented by representatives of the developer with a series of maps detailing the scheme. Information leaflets were not available.

Villagers were informed that the development would also include a gymnasium, cinema and park and ride facilities. Villagers were told it would create hundreds of jobs.

The land, known locally as Hellifield Flashes because of its tendency to flood, has been the subject of other planning approvals over the last 15 years or so including a railway heritage centre which never got off the ground.

The area is home to the protected Great Crested Newt which move from "flash" to "flash" and other protected species which winter in the location.

Craven Council leader Chris Moorby, who represents Hellifield, said he was awaiting the publication of the plan before he could comment in detail, but he was concerned about further development in the village especially when it would be near to the Gallaber caravan park.

"Hellifield has taken the brunt of new development in recent years so I'm not happy about it. I accept that we need employment in this area but at what cost - that's what I ask?"

Christine Sharpe of Peel Terrace, Hellifield, a member of Save Our Craven Countryside, attended the meeting said people were "enraged" by another planning application for the site.

She said: "We already have one caravan park on our doorstep. Was it a surprise to the presenters of this plan that we didn’t want another between our two villages in the open countryside and in full view of the Yorkshire Dales National Park?"

Roger Haffield of Park Avenue, Hellifield, said the developer estimated there would be up to 500 new jobs.

"The hall was cram-packed with people and many were angry and, yes, in despair. I have to say though, to be fair, there were others who welcomed the jobs."

No one from Halton Homes was available to comment at time of going to press.