A textile firm which wants to revive one of Bingley's most historic mills today slammed planners for a move that could block its development dream.

Laycock International is hoping to move its textile manufacturing business into Stanley Mills, on Whitley Street, Bingley - a move that would bring 20 new jobs to the town.

The firm, currently based in Bradford, has applied for planning permission to demolish an old boiler house at the mill to allow access for its lorries to the site.

But Shipley Area Panel, which will consider the application tomorrow, has been recommended to reject the proposals after conservationists said they opposed it.

Today Nic Fearnley, managing director of Laycock, pictured, said he was "stunned" to hear the proposals - which had been altered to retain the mill's historic chimney - were turned down.

He said planners would be turning down a rare chance to revive a mill which shut last year with the loss of 93 jobs.

"We are simply dismayed to learn that it is set to be refused, because this is not a boiler house of any conservational interest," he said. "Without this entrance to the site, we would simply not be able to carry out our business.

"We want to be able to turn this building back into a proper working mill, whereas other people are turning similar buildings into flats and houses."

Mr Fearnley said he could not understand how the building, which has a large steel shutter and which he says is riddled with asbestos, could be of any historical interest.

"It is just unbelievable how someone can call this historic. There's a stench of sulphur as soon as you walk into the place. I just can't believe these people have seen this building.

"If they won't let this development go ahead, they will have to make it into houses and that would bring no jobs to the town."

However, Helen Gomersall, senior archaeological officer at the West Yorkshire Archaeological Service, who made a recommendation that planning permission be refused, today defended her position. She said: "The boiler house, chimney and entrance house to the mill form quite a nice complete group that is representative of power generation in the second half of the 19th century.

"Although some alterations have been made, it is likely to retain elements that are of archaeological interest. A group of this type is quite rare."