WORK IS due to begin on September 9 on creating new business units off Hard Ings Road.

The eight start-up units will be erected on a Royd Way site that combines existing vacant land and an unused corner of Keighley Cricket Club.

The site is being developed by Onewood Group Ltd in partnership with Onewood Developments and Onewood Consultancy.

The units on the 2,775-square-metre Royd Way site will have 39 parking spaces, and will support an estimated 30 jobs.

The cricket club sold the land at the corner of its pitch to raise money for much-needed improvements to its pavilion, changing facilities and clubhouse.

The project was this week praised by Keighley Central ward councillor Khadim Hussain, who said growing Keighley companies and new businesses desperately needed facilities in the town.

He said: “Even though this will be a small development, small units will supply the needs of small businesses. Every development like this means we are going in the right direction.”

Cllr Hussain said the site was ideally placed next to Hard Ings Road, which is currently being widened to a dual carriageway.

Onewood managing director Tom Wood said he was pleased to have received planning permission for the project despite some delays.

He was pleased that Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, had subsequently arranged a meeting to discuss both the Royd Way development and Onewood’s plans to develop other sites in the area.

But he added: “Our scheme was delayed. I believe there should be more transparency from the outset about any specific design requirements that need to met.

“That way developers can ‘flip’ a scheme more quickly – get them through planning, building and occupancy.”