A plan to build a house on Ilkley's Queen's Drive Lane could improve the area, a developer has claimed.

He made the statement to an appeal hearing at Ilkley Town Hall yesterday where the owner of the land, Robert Bennett, challenged the initial decision to refuse planning permission

Mr Bennett, and architect Ralph Stocks, believe the proposed house, which is more than two storeys high, could help preserve the character of the Conservation Area, as its design reflects typical Victorian houses in that part of Ilkley.

But nearby residents, Bradford Council officers and Ilkley Parish Council plans chairman, Audrey Brand, who were in attendance, have made a number of objections..

They opposed the plans on a number of grounds.

l Road safety problems and the use of the narrow lane.

l The impact on the Conservation Area surroundings.

l That the large building on a raised gradient would overshadow and affect the privacy. of neighbouring homes lower down the slope .

l The impact on adjoining woodland and wildlife such as deer.

Bradford Council's senior planning officer, Martyn Burke, who is Ilkley based, put forward the council's case,.

He said the site is classed as green field, the house would not make a significant contribution to answering the demand for housing in Ilkley, it would harm the character of the green belt, and could create road problems.

He said the site was a 'valuable wildlife corridor'. In his statement to the inspector, Mr Burke said: "The proposal would intensify traffic on a sub-standard road. The visibility at the junction with Queen's Road is also substandard."

Representing Mr Bennett, Andrew Rollinson argued that the land had contained a structure in the past - although Ilkley people claimed nature had 'reclaimed' the site for itself - and was not a true brown field site.

He argued the development would use traditional materials, and would be of the appropriate size and density, set in its own grounds to give a dignified setting.

He said the proposed height of building would not compromise dramatic views across to the north, and said there was a low traffic volume in the area.

It was also argued that the site proposed had a level of tree cover, but was not woodland. "We consider that it would not be harmful to wildlife," said Mr Rollinson.

Mr Bennett told the hearing the site had 'improved 150 per cent' since he took it over, as he had cleared away tipped rubbish and removed weak tree specimens, with the intention of re-planting.

Mr Stocks also argued that his first thoughts had been to build three of four houses there - but had later reconsidered. He claims his house design will better fit the conservation area. "The nature of the design of the houses across the way I have to say are not very good.

"They are not very attractive, and our design, I feel lifts that particular site, and lifts the area and gives greater strength to the original vernacular of that part of Ilkley."

The appeal heard that 13 responses had been sent to the planning inspector, including letters from residents and the parish council.

Residents who attended the hearing raised concerns about trees being removed from the site, claiming fewer wild animals had been seen in the area.

The inspector was due to visit the site. Her decision is expected at a later date.