CAMPAIGNERS are fighting plans for a £135 million energy plant in Keighley.

The Aire Valley Against Incineration (AVAI) group claims the scheme will destroy quality of life for people living close to the site.

And it alleges pollutants will be pumped into the air.

Behind the project is the Halton Group, which is proposing two waste recycling plants on the derelict former gasworks site in Airedale Road, Marley, alongside the Aire Valley trunk road.

The venture would also include an education and visitor centre, plus an office building, parking and landscaping.

And a data-storage centre and offices would be built on land in nearby Dalton Lane.

AVAI is calling on council planners to throw out the proposals and has set-up a Facebook page and online petition, which has so far attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

Sarah Nash-Myers, a co-founder of the group, said: "The developers have hidden the truth from the public by calling it a 'clean energy proposal', 'green energy plant' or 'energy from waste', but whatever term is used, it is an incinerator that will destroy the quality of life for those living close by or those looking directly at the proposed development, whilst polluting the air for the rest of us."

AVAI claims particles linked to cancers, heart disease and birth defects could be released into the air, and it urges the public not to simply accept developers' assurances emissions will be safe.

The group also criticises the "huge and brutal design" of the facility, and alleges the development would create less than 100 permanent jobs.

A two-strong partnership of companies has been appointed to deliver the scheme.

French giant CNIM is producing the plant, while construction will be carried out by the Scunthorpe-based Clugston Group.

The applicants say nearly 500 jobs would be created and the total output would be equivalent to 90 per cent of the electricity needed to power all Keighley households.

Agent John Steel, of JO Steel Consulting, said: "Information related to the matters raised by AVAI has been lodged with the application.

"Council officers and consultees are carrying out an assessment, and a further assessment will be undertaken by the Environment Agency when considering an application for an operating permit.

"On April 16 last year the site was granted planning permission by the council for the development of plants to recover energy from waste, with a materials reception, feedstock building, offices, an education/visitor centre, parking and landscaping."

It is hoped contractors will move onto site in October this year and the complex will be fully operational by 2019.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.