Plans to turn a derelict warehouse at Riddlesden into flats have been rejected.

Keighley Area Planning Panel voted by three votes to two last Thursday to turn down the application for the canal-side plot, off Bar Lane.

Members said they feared the development would harm the privacy of homes to the south of the warehouse and erode part of Keighley's industrial heritage.

Previous proposals to convert the four-storey red brick property at Stockbridge Wharf into flats and houses were thrown out in January 2007.

Speaking after last Thursday's panel meeting, applicant Liam Cunningham said he was "extremely disappointed" with the decision, but had not given up hope that the warehouse could eventually be converted.

Following a site visit to Stockbridge Wharf, planning panel chairman Councillor Chris Greaves agreed loss of privacy would be a problem if the conversion went ahead.

He said adding features such as patio doors and balconies would detract from the property's industrial character.

"I think we've got to remember that this is a mill and we're not trying to turn it into a twee Anne Hathaway cottage," he said.

n An application for a new detached house and double garage in Oakworth, which provoked eight letters of objection, was delegated to the planning director.

The development was proposed for a site to the south of Race Moor Lane, close to its junction with Moor Drive.

Residents complained a new house would lead to loss of trees, drainage problems and excessive noise. However, the panel agreed with planning officers' recommendations for a conditional approval. It passed the application to the planning director, saying it should be approved subject to improved turning arrangements for cars and use of porous surfaces to ensure good drainage.

n Panel members rejected proposals for a new vehicle access track and double garage off Hill Top Road, Hermit Hole.

Councillors were told the owner of the land currently had difficulty bringing vehicles to his own home. The plans faced resistance in the form of letters from nine households, complaining about loss of green belt land and additional traffic on Hill Top Road.

The panel suggested a new application incorporating a less obtrusive access road and a garage built closer to the house would have more chance of being accepted.