Comment

Representation ID: 30361

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Alastair Sim

Agent: Clive Brook Planning

The proposals for my client’s large landholdings at Ben Rhydding to the east of Ilkley are much more extensive than those contained in the SHLAA ref site IL/020B.

This response is made on the totality of the landholdings contained in our outline master plan for our mixed land use environmental proposals with potential discrete areas of enabling residential development at three sites:- A. A much reduced development on part of SHLAA site IL/020B; B Proposed redevelopment of redundant farm buildings at Newstead and C -a small development at Saxon Lodge fronting onto the A65.

The proposals for IL/020B have been much reduced from circa 75-100 dwellings to circa 30 dwellings. Each of the proposed enabling dwelling sites needs to be considered separately given the different locations and scales of the potential development. These revised proposals now major on the provision of substantial areas for habitat creation and enhancement, new recreation space and associated green infrastructure and landscaping. My client has already demonstrated his strong environmental intent by planting in excess of 7,000 trees on the main northern land parcel. The whole concept proposals are in the form of a future managed country park. These proposals can provide habitat and recreation provision for developments in the wider locality which are not able to accommodate the necessary provisions on their own land.

The March 2020 promotion document and master plan presents the planning and environmental proposals for what we consider could constitute the eastern ‘bookend’ country park conceived as part of the landscape and greenspace strategy contained in the Ilkley Area Plan document. The eastern and western country parks proposed and being promoted by my clients can be linked into the greenspace, ecological and landscape corridors running alongside the River Wharfe and through the town of Ilkley. The current land ownership extends to some 60.7 hectares (150 acres). The largest of the two main parcels lies to the immediate north /north east of Ben Rhydding Drive and the smaller southern parcel is located just to the north of the Moor Road.

We request that each of the three enabling development sites is considered separately as well as cumulatively. If the Council still conclude that IL/020B should not be allocated we request their stated support and positive planning approach towards the development proposals at Newstead and Saxon Lodge. The Newstead replacement housing development could proceed within the retained Green Belt on the basis that there will be enhancements to the openness of the Green Belt.