ONE of Ilkley's most exclusive residential areas is actually 'derelict industrial wasteland', according to Government planning guidelines.

The amazing revelation which will horrify residents came at a public hearing at Ilkley Town Hall this week when a developer appealed against planning bosses.

Jim Boddy, of Curly Hill, Ilkley, wants permission to build two houses on land near his property, Homewood, but his application was turned down by Bradford Council.

Planning consultant Andrew Rollinson, acting for Mr Boddy at the appeal, was less than complimentary about the style of homes on Curly Hill when compared to his client's scheme.

"This is the right level of

development for the site and this is probably the best designed scheme on Curly Hill.

"There is a lot of mundane architecture on Curly Hill. According to Government guidelines this is a brownfield site and ought to be made more efficient use of."

Curly Hill has always been one of town's most exclusive residential areas with house prices ranged from around £250,000 to £1,000,000.

Mr Rollinson was referring to Government guidelines which are designed to protect the green belt and ensure that new houses are built on former industrial sites.

He said the land surrounding Homewood qualified for brownfield designation because development had taken place there.

Following the hearing, former Ilkley District and Parish Councillor Barbara Cussons, who lives opposite Mr Boddy's home on Curly Hill attacked Mr Rollinson's comments.

"I think that is patently beyond the pale. Are they going to classify every piece of land as a brownfield site, because that is his logic," said Mrs Cussons.

A spokesman at Ilkley planning office said Mr Rollinson was making a reference to Government guidelines but said that the term 'brownfield site' was misleading for the area.

"It has got connotations of derelict industrial land and I don't think it is helpful as a description of Curly Hill. What it means is that it is land that has previously been developed. It is not green belt and in-fill housing development can be acceptable," said the spokesman.

Dacre, Son and Hartley estate agents has a partially-built house on Curly Hill for sale at £439,500. The property has five bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, games rooms, gym and triple garage.

And estate agent Dale Eddison said: "Brownfield sites you would

usually equate with knocking down the gas works and putting houses in its place - it is quite an intriguing concept calling it a brownfield site."

Following a site visit, the inspector will now decide whether or not to allow Mr Boddy's appeal.