Developers claim around 200 new jobs could be created in Bingley under plans for new offices near a canal-side leisure spot.

Applicants behind a two office block scheme at Dowley Gap, close to the Leeds Liverpool Canal, are predicting that most of the 210 posts would be filled by local people.

Graham Kemp, a partner in the outline scheme with Bingley stone merchant Woodcrown, said the Dobb Kiln Lane location, off Dowley Gap Lane, was pitched at the town's job-seekers.

"Bingley is a desirable place to live. Many of the town centre mills and industrial units are being turned to residential developments. The people living there would be within comfortable distance of these offices.

"This would be highly beneficial to parents who wished to work locally and to redress the work-life-balance. We are showing a confidence in the area."

Mr Kemp said the resubmitted plan had seen them move the buildings to safeguard the view from a nearby new housing development

Woodcrown's plan at the vacant site by Dowley Cottage, close to The Fisherman's Inn, includes two-storey buildings built of coursed natural stone with grey slate roofs, covering 960 square metres

The site would include spaces for 46 cars, two for goods vehicles, four for drivers with disabilities and 15 for cycles.

Mr Kemp said the A650 Bingley relief road had significantly eased the burden on Bradford Road.

"So much money would not have been spent on a relief road if it was not going to ease the burden on Bradford Road. We've worked closely with the planning officers and they have not raised that issue of traffic problems.

"I'd also say that with Beckfoot School nearby it is a perfect opportunity for parents who already drop their children off to then proceed to work."

But Bingley councillor David Heseltine (Con) was worried about access to the site from Bradford Road to Wagon Lane, which becomes Dowley Gap Lane.

"This is just the outline and I would need to see more details, but 200 or so people and 50 vehicle spaces gives me concern about how these vehicles would access the site."

Coun Heseltine said he was keen that local people would make up the majority of the workforce.

"It's a proposal that needs careful study. There are potential good points, but they need weighing up," he added

The planned site is close to former showjumper Harvey Smith's Aire Valley Park office development, which is expected to create space for up to 400 workers in three buildings.

The five acre site close to South Bog will include parking for 159 vehicles.

Giles Cooper, a surveyor with Dacre, Son & Hartley, in Keighley, said: "Work was started in November and the first phase is expected to be ready by late spring or early summer.

"We have had an encouraging amount of interest in the site."