A DEVELOPER has submitted an outline application to build 20 houses on the site of a waste transfer station, in Silsden.

The proposals relate to land off Bradley Road, and would involve the removal of the existing waste transfer facility.

A statement accompanying the application explains: "The aim is to remove a current blight on the local area – a working waste transfer station, replacing it with a new residential development.

"This would be a rounding off of the residential area of Silsden. The new development would be built over the existing waste transfer station and on waste land to the side of it.

"A new access way is proposed off Bradley Road, providing much needed new safety features.

"Sight lines would be improved and a pavement and street lighting would be provided, to the benefit of all local residents."

The 50-metre by 70-metre rectangular plot has previously been used to handle waste skips.

An agent's study notes that land on the south western part of the site might have been contaminated by the waste transfer station. The study recommends drilling boreholes and carrying out tests to determine whether contamination has occurred.