A MASSIVELY important decision for the future of Keighley is due to be made today.

Bradford Council's regulatory and appeals committee will consider the controversial proposal for a waste-to-energy plant at Marley.

Few Keighley planning applications in living memory have stirred as much debate or sparked as many objections as this one.

Most of the opposition relates to the potential visual impact of the complex and the emissions.

Objectors are sure to be at City Hall in numbers for the meeting.

In view of the incredible level of opposition, the decision of officers to recommend approval will have come as a huge shock to many.

So in the face of such levels of passion, how will committee members react?

Whatever conclusion is reached, it is essential that full and proper consideration is given to all sides of the argument.

A decision so vital for the town and its people, which will have far-reaching and long-term effects, cannot be made glibly.

Surely common sense dictates that more time should be afforded to the weighing up of the many arguments.

But unfortunately, as experience has shown, common sense doesn't always prevail.