THE official launch of Ilkley's town Design Statement project took place this week and the race is on to produce guidelines for the next Bradford Unitary Development Plan in the Autumn.

David Cartwright, the chairman of the Design Statement Group, said: "The Ilkley Design Statement aims to raise awareness of the character and special qualities, buildings and setting of the Ilkley area, and to create planning guidelines which will, with the endorsement of the planning authority, be included in the Unitary Development Plan.

"The aim is not to stop development, but to ensure that this takes place in a manner which protects the character and general attractiveness of the Ilkley area."

The group was formed because of fears that in-fill development outside the small Conservation Area of Ilkley was ruining the character of the town.

Developers have been concentrating on areas where large houses in their own grounds are situated, so they could be pulled down to make way for clusters of smaller houses and flats.

Village Designs statements were developed by the Countryside Commission in the early 1990s and found to be an effective way of trying to ensure development in towns and villages fits in with the way inhabitants see the particular character of the area.

Burley-in-Wharfedale already has its own Design Statement and Addingham is in the process of producing one too.

The launch, at Ilkley Town Hall, was attended by representatives of the groups involved, including residents, the parish council and civic society. It was also attended by Bradford Council planning officers Martyn Burke and Andy Haigh.

Mr Cartwright said: "Ilkley is a town with a unique character, and it is in

everyone's interest that developers understand local views at the outset of the design and development process."

The group hopes to produce an initial statement as input to the consultation on the next revision of the Unitary Development Plan during the autumn and to produce a more detailed Ilkley Design Statement during 2001.

Ilkley residents will be able to learn about the group's plans at the Ilkley 'Then and Now' exhibition in the Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, between May 22 and 27. On Saturday, June 17, the group will hold a public consultation exercise in the Lower Hall, Christchurch, at which

members of the public will be able to say what they like and dislike about Ilkley and how they would like to see it develop.

Mr Burke told the meeting that the worth of any design statement could be proven when developers appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment when planning decisions go against them.

He said: "What is important is what weight will be given to this document at appeal. The council can refuse a development because we don't think it fits in with the character of Ilkley but we have to see what weight the planning inspector gives the Design Statement. But they are proving very useful in day to day negotiations with builders."

Ilkley Labour MP Anne Cryer was invited to the launch but she could not attend because of Parliamentary duties. She sent a letter expressing her support for the group.

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