FIERCELY contested plans for a privately-run cemetery near Keighley Tarn have been recommended for approval.

Bradford Council planning officers have argued the application for the graveyard, off Black Hill Lane, should be passed when it comes before the council's regulatory and appeals committee on Tuesday.

Councillors will be debating the plans in Bradford City Hall's banqueting hall from 10am.

The applicant, Keighley Community Cemetery, wants to build the cemetery on the former Braithwaite Edge quarry and landfill site. The group says this land could accommodate 1,500 to 2,000 burial plots.

Hundreds of people – both for and against the scheme – have commented on the proposals on Bradford Council's planning website.

People opposed to the plans say the development would harm the environment, pollute local residents' drinking water and cause traffic congestion.

However, the agent acting on behalf of the applicant says the graveyard would meet a growing need for fresh burial spaces, and would be sensitively designed to blend in with the rural landscape.

The agenda for Tuesday's meeting explains that while council officers have recommended the bid be given the green light, they would like planning conditions attached to any approval "reworded" to ensure their effectiveness.

Keighley West councillor, Adrian Farley, said he opposes the application on environmental grounds.

He added better consultation with residents would have ensured rumours surrounding the proposals may never have circulated.

He said: "Flooding and wildlife seem to be the key concerns. I think some of them are valid."

Cllr Farley did stress, however, proposals for the cemetery do make it clear that if it is approved, the graveyard will be open to people from all religions.

"Nowhere in the application does it say it's for one faith," he added. "I understand it will be open to all faiths.

"Bradford Council planning officers and committee members have to made a decision based upon the application before them, and not assumptions or rumours.

"If officers and elected members make decisions based on rumour and speculation then that would be unfair, and may be challenged. The council officers make their decision based upon planning law and process, rather than opinion and feeling.

"Clearly, if the applicant does not comply with the planning conditions, then enforcement action can be taken by the council."

l See letters on pages 12 and 13 for more comment on this story.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.