The first detailed planning applications for the development of the Ilkley College site have been greeted with outrage by residents.

People living in Queens Road have accused Crest Homes of trying to increase the total number of houses on the development by stealth, and not consulting them about the plans for the Westwood annexe.

Crest Homes (Northern) Limited wants to refurbish and convert the existing student accommodation at the Hillside Annexe in Crossbeck Road into 18 two-bedroomed apartments.

The company has also applied to Bradford Council to demolish student accommodation at the Westwood site in Queens Road. It wants to build another 28 two-bedroomed flats and create 50 car parking spaces, which has raised fears of increased traffic congestion in the town. But Crest is still working up plans for the main college site which will be the subject of a separate planning application.

Patricia Shankley, whose home lies directly opposite the present entrance to the Westwood site, said: "We feel that plans for the whole site should be made available now.

"It looks like they are trying to get it through piecemeal. If they can get rid of the affordable element they can maximise profits on the main site."

Objectors met Ilkley Parish Council chairman Kate Brown this week on the site of the student hostel to outline their objections. At the meeting, George Scott, of Queens Road, said three housing sites would lead to an unacceptable increase in traffic down the narrow roads into Ilkley.

Mrs Shankley also accused Crest Homes of not consulting the people who would be most affected. She said a brochure about the plans was not delivered in the Queens Road area and she had had to borrow one from a friend.

Mrs Shankley said: "It is such an important site. It is the biggest development that has been in the town and we are going to have something imposed upon us. Ilkley people want to have a say in it."

She said Queens Road residents wanted Crest Homes to submit all their plans for the three sites - Westwood, Hillside and the main college campus - at the same time.

But Tony Vincent, managing director of Crest Homes, said all the residents in the vicinity of the Westwood site had been sent a letter outlining the initial concepts for the site and a copy of the consultation document, including Mrs Shankley and her family.

Mr Vincent said 13 questionnaires had been received from Queens Road residents between January 20 and February 20. He added: "The Westwood site currently has 48 bedsits and 17 car parking spaces. Our plans are for 28 apartments and 50 spaces - the car parking is designed to accommodate both residents and visitors.

"Crest Homes believes the new development will enhance the area and be more in keeping than the 60s buildings. We're still working seven days a week with the architects to come up with the best design for the main college site.''

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