AN 80-HOME development is planned on a derelict Denholme site, it has been revealed.

Outline permission is being sought for a scheme on the former CR Taylor Timber plot in Station Road.

The 4.5-hectare site has been vacant since 2012.

Councillors welcome the principle of housing on the site, but have voiced concerns about potential traffic problems at Station Road’s junction with the A629 in the village.

“The site is brownfield and unused so I don’t think people in the village will have any issues about it being developed,” said district councillor Simon Cooke, whose Bingley Rural ward includes Denholme.

“However, what needs to be thought hard about by the planners is the road junction, which is currently narrow and complicated.

“Whilst I have no problem with new housing there, improvements will need to be made to that junction, especially if there is going to be a lot more traffic.

“The main road through Denholme is already very busy and we must ensure we continue to invest in making it safer.”

His concerns are echoed by fellow ward councillor, Michael Ellis.

“When you consider most of the new households will have at least one car, there is going to be a considerable increase in vehicles,” he said.

“It is a peculiar junction at the main road and the idea of more traffic using it concerns me. Something will need to be done.

“If we are going to pursue the principle of using brownfield before greenfield then this site fits the bill, but not without necessary improvements.”

The application, for up to 80 houses, will be debated on Tuesday by Denholme Town Council’s planning committee.

Town council chairman, Cllr Steve Nunn, said he was happy for housing to be built on the site, but shared the traffic concerns.

“There is already outline permission there for up to 72 houses, but when that application was considered, we did raise the traffic issue,” he added.

“The A629 is already extremely busy, and with other housing developments planned, more and more vehicles are going to be using the road.”

Buildings at the site were extensively damaged, and subsequently demolished, after an arson attack following Taylor’s departure.

The Keighley News contacted the agent, ID Planning, for a comment on the scheme, but it hadn’t responded at the time of going to press.