AROUND 500 jobs could be created in the region if councillors back a scheme to breathe new life into a former ICI complex.

The plans by Hornbeam Park Developments would turn the site in Harrogate, North Yorkshire into a complex of industrial and warehouse units, and an 80-bedroom hotel.

Councillors will debate the proposals next Tuesday with the only problem appearing to be the location on the southern fringe of the town, overlooking the environmentally sensitive Crimple Valley.

Agents for the developers say the package currently before the council seeks to make maximum use of the commercial potential of Hornbeam Park.

Most businesses located on the site have moved from elsewhere in the Harrogate area, and the hotel and associated nursery would increase the site's attraction to those outside the district.

Council officials believe the scheme could produce a host of spin-offs for the town's famous conference and exhibition business by the addition of a hotel in the area.

The economic development department in the town have also raised no objection to any loss of job creation land through the move.

Area planning officer Anne Smith expects next week's sub-committee to back the scheme, with the final go-ahead given by the full planning committee next month.

She believes the overall plan is a "welcome concept" worthy of support, and although some employment land would be lost, she believes other benefits would outweigh that.

Consent will be subject to developers setting aside cash for road and safety improvements with ideas including a £25,000 traffic safety scheme in the area.

Earlier this year Pannal Golf Club was refused permission to expand in the area with the planning department saying development could not be justified in such a sensitive location. The department said the expansion of the golf club would have a harmful effect on the area's openness and visual amenity.