A SCHEME to build homes on an industrial site should be given the go-ahead, say councillors. The proposals for the Meridian Works site in Barkway Road, Royston, was backd by Royston Town Council s planning committee on Monday evening. Planning consultant

A SCHEME to build homes on an industrial site should be given the go-ahead, say councillors.

The proposals for the Meridian Works site in Barkway Road, Royston, was backd by Royston Town Council's planning committee on Monday evening.

Planning consultant Don Proctor told the committee that proposals for the site were an opportunity to develop a brownfield site.

He said it was a "windfall situation" where Meltax Taxis, was planning to move to a new site in Orchard Road, Royston, and the owner of the Meridian Works was looking to end his business.

Mr Proctor said the outline planning application had been submitted in an attempt to "establish a principle" for the site.

"It's a unique opportunity to remove the long-standing problems of the site through industrial use," he said.

Mr Proctor hoped that although the site was earmarked for industrial use it could under "special circumstances" be developed for housing.

Part of the planning process would include an environmental survey to ensure the land was safe from contamination.

Cllr Rod Kennedy, however, said the site should be retained for industrial use. "We are simply running out of land for industrial development," he said.

He described the plan as an "opportunist application" which went against North Herts District Council's planning policy.

But Cllr Paul Grimes said it appeared to be an anomaly to have an industrial site situated as it is now in open countryside.

And Cllr Mike Harrison said a housing development would see less traffic using Barkway Road.