Plans for developing a huge green area between Brighouse and Elland are set to be given the go ahead by Calderdale Council.

Cabinet members have been urged to approve a proposal to develop a master plan for the 100-acre Cromwell Bottom nature reserve which runs to the south of the A6025 Elland Road.

The area is all Green Belt land owned by the council and currently the site of the nature reserve and the North Bank Loop landfill site.

Councillors are set to give the go-ahead to investigate the creation an imaginative outdoor recreation area.

Ideas include a visitor centre, improved wildlife conservation and a network of walking and cycling tracks to link Rastrick, Brighouse, Elland and Southowram. Other proposals include areas for geo-caching, camping, canoeing, wildlife watching and children’s activities.

There is also a plan for a small fish-friendly hydro electric power station on the River Calder. Sustainable employment within the area will be considered, although the Green Belt status would prohibit the construction of new businesses

The nature reserve is home to a range of important wildlife habitats, some of which are found nowhere else within the borough. Although it currently has minimal facilities, Cromwell Bottom is easily accessed by car or bus from the nearby main road.

Councillors believe that residents of the Lower Calder Valley currently have limited local opportunities for outdoor recreation, which is regarded as beneficial for people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Mark Thompson, Calderdale Council’s head of housing, environment and renewal, said: “Although at a very early stage of planning, these exciting ideas could unlock the potential of a currently under-utilised facility.

“Cabinet considered proposals to consult on ideas for the Cromwell Bottom area, and to involve local people and interested groups in designing a master plan for the site.

“Following this, the project would require further work to allow costs to be estimated and funding sought.”

No figures have been named, but if the master plan progresses, councillors would apply for external grants.