PLANS to demolish a grand building in Ilkley and build a block of apartments in its place have been approved.

Yorplace had applied for planning permission to demolish 27 Kings Road, a building in the Ilkley Conservation area and next to Grade I listed Heathcote, and build 10 apartments on the site.

On Thursday the application was approved by members of Bradford Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee who praised the work that had gone into the design of the new building.

The plans had attracted a number of objections. Ilkley Civic Society described the design as a "missed opportunity" to complement Heathcote - one of just 23 Grade I listed buildings in the District.

And the Yorkshire Garden Trust said the apartment building, which would be bigger than the existing property, would impact the large garden of Heathcote.

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Planning officers told members of the committee that the site was well screened by trees, and the apartment building would not be visible from the street.

The development would include 19 parking spaces.

Chair Councillor David Warburton (Lab, Wyke) said: "I'm surprised the building isn't listed, it will be a shame to see it demolished."

But he praised the design of the scheme, adding: "This is one of the easier planning decisions we've had to make.

"This is a well thought out, well planned application for a Conservation Area."

Members voted to approve the application.