DEVELOPERS have again been accused of putting Ilkley's Victorian heritage under threat with a bid to build 21 homes in the grounds of just one large house in Ilkley.

Neighbours are gearing themselves up for another battle over the controversial site at Hollingwood, Victoria Avenue, near Skipton Road.

Judy Hutton, who lives in nearby Parish Ghyll Drive, said her home would be overlooked by one of the proposed new houses. She said: "I just think it will be a complete blot on the landscape."

Burley-in-Wharfedale based Burley Developments Limited, has applied to build seven apartments and 14 three-storey town houses surrounding a new open courtyard at the site.

A previous application by another developer for 18 homes at the site was withdrawn after massive opposition from neighbours, Ilkley Parish Council and Ilkley Civic Society.

Despite a move by the new developer to anticipate opposition by holding a meeting with local residents before submitted the application, another major battle is looming.

With around 25 other neighbours, Mrs Hutton attended the meeting which was held in the empty Victorian house. Plans were unveiled by the company's architect.

She said: "We are extremely disappointed. The developer showed us what the plans were likely to be. They have pressed ahead having been told in no uncertain terms that it is over-development at least. It is excessive and out of character with the rest of the area."

She said that retaining the present building and converting it into flats would be a much more acceptable development of the site.

Already Brian Stephens, of Victoria Avenue, has contacted the planning office and the parish council with his objections.

Mr Stephens says: "The new application is a second attempt by a new developer to produce a satisfactory scheme for the site. I have to say it fails miserably on all counts.

"Burley Developments can claim that they consulted with the surrounding property owners when they held their presentation to illustrate the proposals for the site and to welcome comments. I think they were surprised by the strength of feeling against the proposals which left them in no doubt it was not acceptable in its present form."

Mr Stephens then lists his objections to the scheme which include:

l They are demolishing the existing house rather than extend and convert into flats. So another Victorian house - Ilkley's heritage - is disappearing fast.

l The density has now increased from 18 to 21 units on a small site in a low density area, which is not acceptable.

l The scale of the proposal is far too high for such a dominant site. The only reason they persist with three-storey design is so they can cram in more units.

l The development would generate a large number of vehicles using Victoria Avenue. I can foresee big problems at the junction of Parish Ghyll Drive.

l The buildings each side of the new access road on Victoria Avenue will look ridiculously out of place. We are totally against a high density three-storey development that would be overpowering and detrimental to the area."

Other residents have also written to the planning office with concerns about the possible damage to verges and drains in the privately owned Parish Ghyll Drive by construction traffic.

Another urges the planners to make sure trees at Hollingwood are protected and says that trees have already been removed from the site resulting in a reduction in bird life.

Ward councillor and chairman of the Ilkley Parish Council planning committee, Kate Brown, said councillors would be debating the application at their next meeting on August 16.