THE residential conversion of a former mill in Cononley together with the building of 46 more new homes and industrial units have been given the go ahead.

Redevelopment of Craven's 'largest brownfield site', Station Works in Cononley Lane, will mean 92 new homes and could spell the end of any more new housing in the village, heard Craven District Council's planning committee.

It will also mean developers, Skipton based Candelisa, paying around £1.2 million in commuted sums in lieu of affordable housing and open space provision.

But Cononley Parish Council said while supportive of the mill redevelopment, the development as a whole was too much.

Parish councillor Hugh Rudden said a public meeting of 60 residents was unanimous in its objection to the development as it stood because of the impact on the green belt, the proposed building materials and because they felt it was overdevelopment.

"We are not against development of the site, we just want sensible development," he said.

James Ellis, representing Candelisa, said the scheme would mean the restoration of an historic building, would provide affordable housing, contribute to sports provision and boost the council's New Homes Bonus money. He added concerns of residents had been taken into account and the number of planned homes reduced as a result.

Principal planning officer, Neville Watson, explained conversion of the mill would require substantial demolition and rebuilding in a contemporary way to reflect the original architecture. The top floor of the three storey mill would be reduced to create an open terrace for the apartments.

Of the new build houses, there would be a large variety, including 18 affordable and of between five, four and three bedroom.

A new pedestrian and cycle route will also be created linking Cononley Lane with Moorfoot Lane, and access to the site moved from its current position some 20 metres to make it safer.

Cllr Chris Harbron, who moved officer's recommendation to approve the scheme, said approval could well mean Cononley meeting its quota for new housing.

"This puts Cononley's contribution to Craven's housing numbers to bed. Potentially, there could be no more housing in Cononley," he said.

And he thought with the close proximity of Cononley Railway Station, he thought there was a distinct possibility some house buyers would not have cars.

"I would be more worried about the area being used as an overspill car park for the railway station, " he said.

Guy Taylor, managing director of Candelisa, said after the meeting: "We are delighted that planning permission has been granted and we look forward to working with the parish council and the local community to deliver a successful scheme for all stakeholders. The new pedestrian and cycle access linking Cononley Lane to the railway bridge at Moorfoot Lane will be a major benefit to residents as will the 15,500 sq. ft. of employment space included in the overall plan.Meanwhile, our plans for the mill preserves it for future generations and the open space provision ensures the Green family will be forever linked to the site."