Silsden Town Councillors were incensed when Bradford Council told them that because they had held up a planning application, ten jobs had been lost in the town.

At a meeting of Silsden's planning panel, a letter was discussed which said that Silsden Town Council had caused the delay in approving plans on Belton Road, causing the applicant to locate elsewhere.

The letter from Keighley's planning department outraged Silsden town councillors.

Councillor Paul Bromley said: "It is saying that we have lost the people of Silsden jobs. That is naive arrogance to say it is our objections to their miscarriages of the planning brief that is causing this firm to move.

"We objected in good faith and are continually slapped down and totally ignored."

Plans on plot four at the site for a warehouse building and attached offices were passed by Keighley area planning panel on January 9.

But Brook International of Drighlington has now opted out of building in Silsden and will instead base itself at Cross Hills, citing the delay by Bradford Council in determining their application.

Colin Waggett of Keighley's Development Services at Bradford Council told Silsden Town Council: "You need be aware that the only reason for the application being on the Keighley Planning Panel agenda was Silsden Town Council's objections, which were contrary to officer recommendation."

Mr Waggett added: "In such circumstances a protocol applies.

"This states 'if the differing recommendations are not resolved by negotiation or explanation based on sound planning reasons, then the (parish) council will be expected to attend and present its views to the panel, otherwise the planning application may be dealt with under delegated powers.'

"I would request your council considers its position regarding the Belton Road employment site, given the unfortunate situation at plot four and especially the loss of ten jobs to Silsden."

The Belton Road site has been earmarked for employment in the Unitary Development Plan and Mr Waggett wrote that Bradford Council wished to promote business in the Aire Valley.

Silsden Town Council's four main objections to the proposed scheme on plot four were land level changes, the development not being in accordance with the planning brief, inadequate drainage and highway issues relating to the Belton Road junction with Keighley Road.

Mr Waggett concluded his letter: "I do not consider a rehearsal of these concerns at planning panel to be productive, particularly given the risk of losing potential businesses and employment to Silsden.

"Thus I intend, in consultation with the chair of Keighley Planning Panel, to carefully consider your views on planning applications at Belton Road and if there are no sound planning reasons (including the four issues mentioned) to consider making a delegated decision."

Councillor Chris Atkinson said: "I was at the meeting and the four objections we gave are the most important there are.

"Just because we say them time and time again doesn't mean they shouldn't be heard. Maybe they should start listening.

"When will Bradford realise the reason we are here is because we have local knowledge and listen to us - or go and talk to the residents."

Silsden Town Council resolved to write to Colin Waggett outlining its concerns, and is seeking legal advice about the situation.