Ilkley Neighbourhood Development Plan (Regulation 16) July 2021

Foreword

Welcome to the Ilkley Neighbourhood Development Plan

Ilkley is a special place of outstanding natural beauty with an active local community and thriving cultural, business and voluntary sectors.

Set within the valley of the River Wharfe at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, yet within easy reach of Leeds and Bradford, Ilkley is appreciated by those who live and work here and visit from nearby and further afield.

Ilkley's many occupants since prehistoric times through to its time as a popular spa town and the present day have given the town a rich and fascinating cultural heritage. Our vision for Ilkley over the next ten years and beyond is that it will be a vibrant, viable, sustainable and successful town, meeting the needs of young and old without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This plan represents the culmination of work undertaken by the Ilkley Neighbourhood Development Plan Working Group led at different stages by Town Councillors Brian Mann and Ros Brown with the help of our professional consultant from Kirkwells. This group of Town Councillors and experienced volunteers have sought the views and ideas of those who live, work and do business in the town to ensure this plan works to address the needs and serve the aspirations of our local community.

We hope that everybody who cherishes the town of Ilkley and wants it to thrive will share the aspirations of this plan, and that as a community we can all use it to support the future development of our town to best serve the needs of current and future generations.

Councillor Mark Stidworthy

Mayor, Ilkley Town Council