A care homes charity has been granted permission to fit solar panels to retirement flats under construction in Ben Rhydding.

Bradford Council planning officers acting under delegated powers have approved plans by Methodist Homes to install photo-voltaic panels on the south-facing side of the roof at Emmandjay Court in Valley Drive.

The 56-apartment complex will include one and two-bedroom apartments for sale, shared ownership and rent, on the former Ilkley Middle School site.

Methodist Homes submitted the application for the solar panels, classed as an amendment, to Bradford Council last month.

The specialised apartments are intended to provide homes for people aged 60 and over, and new residents will be expected to sign up to a a care package.

Permission for the development was granted in 2010, subject to an array of conditions, and work began on the development in 2011.

But concerns were later raised by nearby residents over the positioning of the new building, and marketing material appearing to promote the apartments to people without care needs – although the charity said residents would need to sign up to at least a basic package, and could increase care arrangements as needs increase later in life.