YET another alteration has been made to the plan to build houses in the back gardens of property on Valley Drive, Ben Rhydding.

By reducing the height of the proposed terraced houses to two storeys with roof spaces; retaining the three existing properties on the site and reducing the overall number of new houses, the developer hopes the scheme will get the thumbs-up from the Keighley Area Planning Panel.

Once again the objectors are not so sure. As far as they were concerned, the planners wanted the height of the properties dropping from three to two storeys, not three to two-and-a-half. And there is still the question of whether the widening of Grange Close will solve the traffic problems which will no doubt be created by the new development.

Despite the recommendation from the Ilkley planning officer that the scheme should be given the go-ahead, nearby residents who have objected are hoping the panel will send it back to the drawing board once again. Those who live in the area also have other profound objections to the scheme which have to be largely ignored because they do not fit into the strict remit of the planning panel.

The massive back gardens of the houses leading to the railway line have, over the years, developed into a wildlife haven, containing a variety of species of flora and fauna and creating a tranquil surroundings enjoyed by everyone who lives in the area.

Obviously, this situation in a town where land is scarce and hugely expensive, could not be allowed to persist.

In order to keep the pressure off green belt land, people will make sacrifices, eventually having to stand by as every single inch of 'brownfield' garden space in Ilkley is utilised in the mad dash to build yet more 'executive' homes.

Concepts like 'wildlife haven' and 'tranquillity' have no place in this scenario.