SO, preparatory work is at last set to start on Keighley's £135 million waste-to-energy plant.

It seems an awfully long time since the idea for the ambitious scheme was first mooted.

Some people initially greeted it with 'pie in the sky' scepticism, not believing it would see the light of day.

But here we are, on the verge of contractors moving in.

For those behind the scheme, it has not been a totally smooth ride.

A planning application was knocked back last year, which has resulted in the latest amendments and consultation.

And there are opponents to the venture who have campaigned hard against it, worried about the plant's visual impact and emissions.

There will be undoubted benefits – it is a massive investment and vote of confidence in Keighley and the jobs are welcome.

Also, it will bring back into use a long-derelict, eyesore site.

And such regeneration could attract other potential investors to the area.

However, as always with initiatives of this magnitude, you will not find unanimous support.

Objectors may not stop the development going ahead now, but you can be sure they won't disappear.