PLANS have been unveiled for a development of about 140 new homes that could transform derelict industrial land in the heart of Silsden.

Proposals for an 11-acre site next to Keighley Road, which could create around 75 jobs and bring a £7 million boost to the economy, will be the subject of a public consultation event next week.

Owners of the site have appointed national planning, design and economics consultancy Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners (NLP) to bring forward the application.

NLP director, Anthony Greally, said: “The site, which is close to the town centre, has stood largely vacant for more than six years and its redevelopment for much-needed new housing will bring certainty as to its future.

“If outline permission is successfully secured, the final mix of houses will then be determined and it is likely to include an affordable housing contribution of about 20 per cent.”

The site earmarked for development includes the land formerly occupied by the Becks Mill industrial buildings and adjacent land, south of Sykes Lane and west of Keighley Road.

The land had previously been the subject of an application for a new Tesco store, which was refused by Bradford Council last year, whilst part of the site is already allocated for residential development.

Mr Greally added: “Further uncertainty about the future of the site was created last year when proposals for a Tesco store were refused planning permission. However, at the time of that decision, a number of residents called for the site to be developed for housing and this application is, therefore, a positive response to those views.”

Residents are invited to attend a community consultation event at Silsden Town Hall on April 7, between 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

The project team will be on hand to discuss the development proposals and answer any questions.

An outline planning application is likely to be submitted to Bradford Council before the end of April.