AIREDALE Chemicals' controversial retrospective plans to site storage vessels at its Midland Mills site in Cross Hills are being recommended for approval.

Despite strong opposition from Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council and several residents, Craven District Council's Planning Committee will next week be asked to allow the 13 storage vessels, safety rail and concrete bund, to stay at the Enterprise Centre site, off Skipton Road.

Those opposing the development say they have safety concerns regarding what is kept in the vessels and believe it is too close to houses.

They also raise concerns about light pollution and call for the company to relocate away from residential houses.

But councillors will hear that Airedale Chemicals has chosen not to proceed with previously approved plans, including a new office block and the installation of seven storage vessels.

Instead, the company has installed just three of the originally-approved six larger tanks, and ten smaller ones.

Councillors will also hear the tanks will be used to store industrial chemicals, including acids for the treatment of drinking water, but not classed as 'hazardous'.

In a report to committee, it is concluded the development – in comparison to the approved vessel storage that it replaces – "will have minimal environmental impact".

It is further concluded there will be no "adverse material impact on the general character and amenities of the area".

But Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council vice-chairman, Cllr Jenny Wood, who lives near to Midland Mills, said the site is "mushrooming out of all proportion".

"Planning requests are being applied for retrospectively, with no thought whatsoever for the environment or residents," she added.

Cllr Wood said she had safety concerns about possible spillages and that security lighting at the site is excessive causing sleep deprivation to some nearby neighbours.

She added: "It has been an industrial site for years, but a mill chimney and the lower roof levels were quite different to what we have now.

"It also creates employment, but at what cost to the environment and its employees, and employees of adjacent companies?"

The planning committee is due to visit the site ahead of its meeting at 1.35pm on Wednesday at the council offices in Belle Vue Mills, Broughton Road, Skipton.

l See letters on pages 12 and 13 for more comment on this story

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Craven Herald, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.