A NEW business park for Settle, described as 'critical' for the future vibrancy of the Dales is being recommended for approval by Craven planners next week.

'Anley Crag' business park, proposed for fields between the A65 and Skipton Road, is described by Skipton based developer, Candelisa, as essential in providing space for talented professionals to live, work and remain in the Dales, but more suited to an urban setting by its objectors and damaging to the green gateway entrance to Settle.

The outline application, for 137,000 square feet of commercial space and 19 new homes on the 12 acre parcel of land - included in the emerging Craven Local Plan as 'very good' employment land - is due to be decided on Monday by Craven District Council's planning committee, following a site visit.

In a report to committee, planning manager, Neville Watson, says development of the site will provide 'much needed employment land' - the shortage of which has acted against businesses being able to grow and create new job opportunities.

He goes on to say that it is essential that the employment part of the scheme is completed in an 'appropriate and timely' way and that a legal agreement will be necessary to make sure the houses are not built in isolation.

Settle Parish Council has commented that the development will have - because of its scale and size - a 'detrimental effect on the character of the landscape of the open green gateway entrance to Settle', which it describes as an 'extremely visible and important' gateway to the town.

In addition, seven people have written objecting because of the impact on landscape and character, poor screening, access and visibility and it being out of scale with nearby Runley Mill.

The application has also raised the concerns of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), which says its it contrary to national and local policies, that houses are not justified in the location and that insufficient evidence has been presented to accurately determine the impact on nearby listed properties.

The Yorkshire Dales Society also objects, saying that the park is out of scale, and more typical of urban areas.

Natural England has also objected to the scheme, because of a 'significant and adverse impact on the national park', creating an 'urban form in a rural setting'.

But, in its submission, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has raised no objection, subject to 'appropriate landscaping', while the highways authority, although having initial concerns about the proposed access onto Skipton Road, has after Candelisa amended its plans, withdrawn its objection.

Guy Taylor, managing director of Candelisa, has said it is optimistic that the application will be approved.  

"We have evidence that the creation of an environmentally conscious, sophisticated business park at Anley Crag will attract professional businesses making it a great working environment and offering a fantastic work life balance.

“The scheme is also critical to Craven’s commitment to provide opportunities for talented professionals to live, work and remain in the rural North and help retain the vibrancy of the Yorkshire Dales National Park."

Monday's meeting of the planning committee will take place at Belle Vue Square, Broughton Road, Skipton at 1.30pm.