THE fate of two housing developments in Wharfedale has been decided recently and there have been positive reactions to their different fortunes.

The proposed 19-home scheme at Hollingwood has been rejected by planners who took on board the objectors' arguments.

Ideally, many would love to see the former Victorian building and its extensive grounds restored to its former glory but they have resigned themselves to losing it to some sort of new housing scheme.

If the developer comes back with a plan which does not try to cram in as many properties as possible, remaining sensitive to the surrounding properties and nearby Conservation Area, it is likely the Keighley Area Planning Panel will show more sympathy.

The day after planners rejected the Hollingwood scheme, came the news that the Government has decided not to interfere with the Low Mill development. The change of use from an industrial site in the green belt to a housing site in the green belt needed extra scrutiny by the Department of the Environment. Officials have reported that they are happy with the scheme.

This can only be good news for those people who desperately need affordable housing in the area to prevent them from having to move out. The developer has reduced the scheme from the original suggestion and agreed to include affordable housing, with people from Addingham being given the first choice of the new apartments.

The saga of Low Mill has dragged on for years since the wool processing plant closed its doors for the last time. But now the fear of a return to a noisy, smelly factory has been banished for good and the people living in the tiny hamlet can look forward to the day when the houses are occupied and the contractors have moved on.