Keighley should focus less on becoming a museum and more on regenerating its businesses, according to councillors.

Over the summer, Bradford Council consulted on Keighley Conservation Area to decide which buildings should be protected, and what types of development allowed in the area. Members of the Council’s regulatory and appeals committee have discussed the appraisal and while members were happy the town’s heritage was being protected, they feared it could hold it back from future growth.

Coun Keith Dredge, who represents the town, said: “The important thing about Keighley was never its buildings, it was the people. Keighley had some cutting-edge employers.

“What is needed more than anything is bringing back those employers. If we protect too much of the town we could be preventing the type of development we need. I’m worried we are leaning a bit too much towards nostalgia.”