Artists are gearing up for a second fight to save studios on a growing Ilkley cultural trail from a plan to convert them to houses.
The town’s art community successfully got behind a campaign to keep the historic Back Nelson Road units as workshops – which house several artists and artisans – earlier this year.
A planning application to turn the two units to two houses was rejected by Bradford Council.
But the developer behind the plan, Mike Hanson of Bolling Road-based Town and Country Properties, has appealed against the decision.
A consultant representing him said the workshops would be closed if the appeal is unsuccessful, as they are not commercially viable.
The workshops have been key venues for art events in Ilkley for a number of years, including open studio sessions as part of Ilkley Art Trail.
Many supporters of the art trail objected to the original planning application, and their comments are expected to be taken into account at a written appeal procedure by the Planning Inspectorate.
Painter and sculptor Joy Godfrey, who shares one of the units with her sister, glass and ceramics artist Chris Bailey, and potter Ken Jaquiery, would like the community to speak out in favour of keeping the workshops once more.
Councillor Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley), has visited the workshops and believes the properties and surrounding area are not suitable for new homes. Neighbouring buildings previously used as workshops are currently being converted to houses.
Ilkley Art Trail organiser, Lorna Bird, said this year’s trail was “going full steam ahead” for October, gaining increasing support from local business, which recognise the need to make the most of the character of the town.
In a detailed appeal document, Richard Askham of The Courthouse Planning Consultancy, representing Mr Hanson, said the cottage buildings and immediate area were in poor condition and the applicant was keen to invest in them.
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