Plans for a stone cutting shed at Branshaw Quarry on the western edge of Keighley will be debated by councillors today.

Proposals are to be considered by the members of Bradford Coun-cil’s regulatory and appeals committee during its meeting.

Council officers have recommended the plans for the site at Holme House Lane be approved.

However, the application has met with opposition from local residents in the shape of 34 objections.

Along with opposition from Keighley Town Council, the objections cite fears about industrial-type noise, increased numbers of heavy goods vehicles and harmful effects on wildlife.

But the applicant, Ashlar Stone Products, argues a recent noise assessment has shown the proposed operation will not increase existing background levels.

The company says the shed will be in the bottom of the quarry, so would not be visible from the surrounding area.

The council planning officers’ written report notes: “To ensure any potential for disturbance is minimised, the environmental health officer has recommended a raft of stringent conditions.

“These limit hours of operation, require the cutting shed to face away from the nearest noise-sensitive premises, and require the shed to be insulated with absorbent material to combat reverberation sound from saws.”