A PRESERVATION group has denied being compromised by a £2,000 donation to one of its major projects from the developer wanting to build houses on the Ilkley College campus site.

Crest Homes handed over the money to sponsor the Ilkley Video 2000, a millennium project in which Ilkley Civic Society is playing a pivotal role.

But society chairman Bob Tilley has dismissed suggestions that the donation could result in a conflict of interests when Crest Homes submit detailed plans of their scheme to develop the site.

The society plays a major role as a watchdog against unwanted development in the town and it is expected to be heavily involved in the scrutiny of Crest's plans.

The society's views are considered so important by Bradford Council planners that they are included on the reports to committee along with Ilkley Parish Council's opinions.

The society has also been heavily involved, with a host of other partnership organisations in creating a video of Ilkley to commemorate the Millennium and has been actively seeking business sponsorship. The gift of £2,000 from Crest Homes to help fund the project has prompted an Ilkley district councillor to warn that people could form the wrong impression.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth warned that Crest Homes's public relations campaign to win friends in the town before plans are submitted could lead to people being suspicious about their intentions.

In a statement to the Gazette, Coun Hawkesworth added: "However, of more concern to those who are aware, is the 'seed corn' assistance being given to interest groups, for example to fund the chairman's 'pet projects'.

"As with elected councillors, those in apparently influential positions and 'clarions' should consider carefully before accepting financial assistance, however trivial.

"it is unfortunate, but such methods, however well meaning, can rebound and give a misleading impression. As a town, we need a planning brief that works for Ilkley - facts, not words or glossy presentations. We also need those whose views are given as a group, at times with influence, such as the civic society, to be seen as impartial."

Mr Tilley admitted that there were dissenting voices at a society meeting which discussed whether to accept the money, because some members were worried that the society could be compromised.

"There were some members of the Civic Society who were uneasy about it. But I said it was not a problem because there were no conditions with it," said Mr Tilley.

He said that the money had been in the bank before a meeting was held with Crest Homes representatives to discuss their conceptual plans for the site.

Tony Vincent, managing director of Crest Homes (Northern) Ltd said: "Crest Homes has a policy of listening to the local community wherever we build homes. We also support community projects as part of this policy.

"We approached the Millennium Garden project organisers and offered help, because this land is next to the college and we can support them in practical ways at very little cost.

"Otherwise, we have responded to requests and supported projects where they complement our work. In the case of the civic society video, we are pleased this will be recording much of the heritage and restoration of the college site.

"We want Ilkley to be proud of our development - and this will only happen if everyone is honest with us. There is no evidence of anyone holding back their views about our plans because of our financial support - nor would we expect or want them to. This would be of no good to anyone."

Mr Tilley said that other groups and projects in the town had also received sponsorship from Crest Homes but there was no suspicion that their views would be compromised when it came to the detailed planning applications being submitted.

Ilkley's Carnival Committee has also applied for sponsorship from Crest Homes.

l Councillors hit back in row over affordable housing on site of Ilkley College - Page 3.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.