TWO major developments have been unveiled that could change the face of South Craven.

Countryside Properties wants to build a new business park in Silsden, creating over 1,500 jobs, while Bellway Homes have submitted plans for 81 new homes in Addingham.

Both schemes will be determined by Bradford Council.

If approved, the business park will offer a mix of shops, restaurants, offices, warehouses, conference facilities, coffee bars and a hotel.

The proposed site lies south of Silsden town centre, adjacent to the Belton Road Industrial Estate. It is allocated for employment purposes in the council's Unitary Development Plan.

Nigel Lambert, associate director at Countryside Properties said: "We're aspiring to create a sustainable business village, which will bring new jobs to the area and allow expansion of existing local businesses, while being fully in keeping with the Aire Valley's tremendous environment."

His colleague Paul Martin added: "The next step here is the analysis of public comments and to work out where we can make improvements."

However the scheme has caused concern among some town councillors.

"Progress is progress but at the moment the junctions need something doing to them and all the surrounding sewage systems are blocked - this needs sorting out first," said town councillor Chris Atkinson.

"The Government says we should be using brownfield land first but of course that's too expensive - it's easier to use greenfield sites instead," he added.

Fellow councillor Patricia Bottomley largely agreed. "I live near the planned area and we have been trying to get the plans changed. The problem is that the buildings aren't uniform," she added.

Silsden town mayor, Coun Alan Edwards, said he would have preferred the scheme to have been put on hold until Bradford's new unitary development plan was published.

However, deputy leader of Bradford Council Simon Cooke was optimistic about the proposals, which he hoped would create the right balance between new jobs and the environment.

He commented: "Unlike a lot of places, we don't have a lot of open flat land for development. This development is very important. It looks good and is good quality, creating a good impression when entering Silsden."

The developer is expected to submit a formal planning application in early 2004.

Meanwhile in Addingham Bellway Homes is seeking planning permission for the conversion of Low Mill, Addingham, into 30 apartments.

The scheme also includes a new block of 30 apartments and 21 new houses on the site of the former wool scouring plant.

Ward councillor David Harrison said he was keeping an open mind on the proposal.

The matter has also been debated by Addingham Parish Council when questions were asked about whether the development would include any "affordable" homes.

Members heard that Bellway Homes had suggested paying a "commuted sum" to the council to use elsewhere rather than providing affordable housing on the site.

But Bradford planning officer John Eyles told parish councillors: "What the developer is saying is that affordable housing would be best placed off site but what we are saying is the best place for affordable housing is on the site.

"There are certain aspects of this planning application on which we will be going back to the developer and we will be talking about affordable housing. We will enter into negotiations as to what can be provided on the site."