A CAR showroom described by objectors as a "shed" is to be built on a South Craven business park earmarked for prestigious development.

Land at The Crossings off Kildwick roundabout already plays host to three other car showrooms but was originally designed 10 years ago to be used for non-retail businesses.

The new Walter Briggs garage site is planned for the north-west corner, which was to be the development's flagship to bring people into the nearby towns and villages.

However in a U-turn by Craven District Council, and despite protests, councillors agreed to let the building go ahead.

Arguments from Ian Fulton, chairman of Advantage Kildwick and Farnhill, that the development should be rejected on the grounds it did not bring new jobs into the area were dismissed by Coun Steve Place.

Coun Place said: "A number of skilled mechanics are employed by Walter Briggs which has reached the end of the road at Cowling.

"If this particular company is to survive and these jobs are to be preserved they will have to move.

"If Vauxhall want to compete I can understand why they want to be on this site. This development will help save the jobs of many of the people in my village."

Coun Philip Barrett agreed, saying if any car dealership had to be allowed on the site it should be Walter Briggs, which had long- standing connections with the area.

But there was significant objection to the development from Kildwick and Glusburn parish councils and residential groups.

Last week a meeting was held with planning officers to discuss the application and a petition was presented to councillors.

Residents are unhappy that the decision goes against original promises that the site should be a prestigious business park, reserved for classified businesses but not retail.

Objectors were also concerned about the visual impact of the scheme from Kildwick and Farnhill, saying the landscaping would take several years to come into fruition.

Mr Fulton said: "The roof of the development will afford a view to residents of the two villages on high ground of an uninterrupted grey surface of about the size of six tennis courts.

"The view is punctured with stainless steel ducts and pipes for ventilation, extraction of exhaust fumes in the workshops and other building services, together with communication antennae associated with modern business."

Coun Bill York said at Tuesday's planning meeting: "It will take a long time for those trees to grow and mask the buildings.

"It won't happen in my lifetime."

Keith Midgley, chairman of Kildwick Parish Council said residents were anxious the colour of the building should fit into the countryside.

Details of landscaping and colour schemes are to be decided at a later date.

Another objection was the amount of light coming from the car dealerships, particularly at night.

Coun York said: "If you live in Farnhill you don't need a torch light to find your way around at night. You rely on White Rose."

There was also concern that the car dealership would increase the congestion already on the roundabout.

The plans were narrowly passed by five out of nine councillors.