CONTROVERSIAL plans for a waste recycling facility in Keighley have been refused.

Permission was being sought for eight units on the long-vacant former Devonshire Mill site, in West Lane.

The largest unit would be used to sort through waste from skips, much of which would then go on to be recycled.

And the remaining units would be used for storage.

But Bradford Council has turned down the scheme, saying the planning application – submitted by Iftikar Hussain – lacked crucial information needed for local authority planners to make a decision on such a "significant" development.

More than 200 people had objected to the proposals.

Residents living nearby said the development would reduce the value of their homes; lead to dust, noise and smells, and make existing traffic congestion in the area even worse.

One objector said: "The development is not suitable for this area. The site is more suited to a residential use."

However, there were also 48 letters of support for the scheme, with many pointing out the jobs boost the business would bring.

The applicant said the site would be used to sort through builders' waste from skips.

Fifteen skips would be brought to the facility each day, and waste separated by material.

Twenty jobs would be created.

He said there were no similar sorting facilities in the area, and that the business would prevent the need for waste to be transported to Halifax or Bradford to be sorted.

Council environmental health officers raised concerns about the site's proximity to housing.

A council spokesperson said: "The proposed development is in close proximity to residential properties and there is a likelihood of issues arising from noise, odours and fumes, and dust and light pollution. There is no information in the application regarding noise levels – and the impact on residents cannot therefore be assessed.

"The proposal provides insufficient information regarding the potential nuisance arising."

Officers added that there was "inadequate information on surface water drainage and assessment of waste management use".

Devonshire Mill was used for worsted-weaving in the textiles industry.

Latterly prior to its demolition over 15 years ago, the mill was occupied by Bolivar Stamp Ltd for the manufacture of pipes and pipe fittings.

The site became vacant when the company relocated, and it has been disused since.

Over the years various plans have been put forward for housing on the land, but none have gone ahead.