A DAIRY business has unveiled plans to develop a major new facility in Keighley and create jobs.

Dales Dairies, which is currently based outside Grassington, this week published early-stage proposals to launch a dairy processing, packaging and distribution operation at a currently-vacant site in Stockbridge.

The company's operations development manager, Paul Mason, said the results of ongoing surveys would determine whether the project could move forward and no planning application had yet been submitted.

But he said if the 55-employee firm does open at the site, Aireworth Distribution Centre, off Aireworth Road, it would look to take on new workers from the local area.

And the company would seek permission to operate 24/7.

The firm's owner, David Oversby, said: "We do want to expand, because we're reached capacity where we are at the moment."

He and Mr Mason said the Stockbridge site, which is between Garforth Road and Marland Road, offered close proximity to important transport links, a convenient layout and large, existing modern buildings which could be retained and suitably adapted.

The complex was formerly occupied by Fuzzwire.

Vehicle access to the site would be from Marland Road and Aireworth Road and milk storage silos would be constructed at the southern end of the site.

Mr Mason said: "We've done our homework in terms of the location and the size of the site.

"Any noise from loading and processing would be contained within the building. As you'd expect with a dairy business temperature control is key. Everything would have to be very well insulated and as a result that would keep noise inside the building.

"We would knock down some of the older buildings on the site to create more space, but very little new building would need to take place."

In a statement released as part of a public consultation day on Tuesday (Feb 10) the company added: "The existing vehicle accesses will be suitable for the operation of the site. No further vehicular or pedestrian access will be required as part of this application.

"The demolition of existing buildings will provide the necessary vehicle parking for when the business expands. It will provide 81 to 97 car parking spaces and 28 to 44 heavy goods vehicle spaces."

The statement adds that if the dairy goes ahead with a full planning application, it would look to secure permission to operate 24 hours a day seven days a week to meet future demand if the business expands.

It notes: "As the purchase of the site is based on a long-term investment basis, extended operating hours are key to future expansion and viability."